# S3E25 - "That's Mine!" Understanding Possessive Behavior in Kids

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-parenting-real-parenting-questions-answered-by-a-child-therapist-845974/s3e25-that-s-mine-understanding-possessive-behavior-in-kids
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-parenting-real-parenting-questions-answered-by-a-child-therapist-845974/s3e25-that-s-mine-understanding-possessive-behavior-in-kids.md
Podcast: [Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist](https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-parenting-real-parenting-questions-answered-by-a-child-therapist-845974)
Published: 2026-01-07T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://thekidcounselor.libsyn.com/s3e25-thats-mine-understanding-possessive-behavior-in-kids
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thekidcounselor/PlayTherapyParenting_3_25_PossessiveBehavior.mp3?dest-id=689050
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Duration seconds: 523

## Resource

In this episode, I answer a question from Melissa about children who are possessive of their things and struggle with sharing. I explain why phrases like "that's mine" are often tied to power and control, and why this behavior is also developmentally appropriate, especially for younger children. Kids only have control over a few areas of their lives, so when they feel powerless, they grab control wherever they can — including toys and people. Understanding this helps parents respond without frustration or shame. I walk through how to use reflection of feeling, choice giving, and clear limits to support sharing in a child-centered way. Instead of forcing compliance, these tools return a sense of control to the child while still teaching turn-taking, empathy, and waiting. This episode helps parents see possessiveness not as a character flaw, but as a normal developmental response that can be guided calmly and effectively. Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com My Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids - https://a.co/d/bThnKH9 Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/ My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/ My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ Common References: Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.

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## Transcript

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