Is it acceptable for my child to ask for snacks from neighbours?
Reader, Department of Psychology,
Daulat Ram College,
Delhi University
Q: My son is 2 years and 3 months old. My wife being a housewife stays with him all day. During the day, he runs to the neighbour's house and prefers to play there. He also eats snacks before and after lunch at their house. He asks for snacks from them. We find this very disturbing. Is this an acceptable behaviour for a two-year-old? Do we need to control it, if yes, how should we go about it?
A:A two-year-old child is too young to understand that it is not desirable to be as free at a neighbour's house as at home, especially if the neighbour is affectionate. Children want to spend time where they get love and attention. Setting a routine for him for his meals and play time is important. Explaining in simple and direct terms that too much time at the neighbour's house is not desirable as it may disturb them could help. Otherwise you should stop worrying about it if your neighbours are comfortable with it.