Help! Do I need to buy a new toy?

Hello readers, and welcome to my first Hard Truth With EZ post! For those that don’t know, Hard Truth with EZ is a blog where I answer any questions you may have with the cold, hard truth.

If you need any advice, submit your questions and I’ll do my best to help. All posts are anonymous so no need to stress!

Let’s get cracking!


Question: My child took a toy home from my friends house and now they are asking for it back because it’s their son’s favourite toy. My issue, is that my son won’t let me take the toy back and is having a meltdown at home. Should I buy a replacement toy for my friends son instead or tell them he won’t give it back?

Stressed Mum


Dear Stressed Mum,

As a fellow mum with a difficult toddler, I get that kid meltdowns can be difficult to manage…. but what. the. heck!?

Firstly, this isn’t a random person, this is your friend and your inaction here may create tension in your friendship. Secondly, you’re the parent here. Ideally you would take the toy back to it’s rightful home, because it’s NOT your son’s toy.

If you can’t do that then you need to go out and buy a replacement toy for this other kid AND a bottle of wine for his parent/s. One of these options is cheaper than the other, and both of these options would keep your friendship intact.

Telling your friend that your son won’t give up the toy, is not an option at all here and sets a very bad precedent. I honestly can’t believe that was an option… unless you don’t mind upsetting your friends and their son.

That’s the Hard Truth With EZ



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