"Max said I have to trade Leobreaker for cars"

Ian, with a concerned look on his face, quickly looked for his large transformer as he explained that he needed to give it to Max who would then give him 10 cars. As a matter of fact, he showed me, Max had already given him one of those ten.

I asked if this was a borrow/trade and he said - no for real- I have to give it to him. "He said, or else he won't be my friend." My heart sank- we had just had Max over for a playdate and I could see him pushing a beer into my son's hand a decade from now.

Ian seemed relieved but worried when I explained I would not allow him to give Max this toy we had worked hard to buy. I tried to tell him that he could laugh and make light and tell Max - of course we will still be friends.

Ian suggested I call Max's mommy - and so I did. Of course she did not think a toy trade was in order but she agreed to speak with Max.

Later that day Ian told me Max was mad but that he had still played with him. Max has older brothers.

Ian is so innocent - he doesnt say things like "I won't be your friend" or ask other children for their toys. We spend so much time teaching him and he is so pensive and deep - he searches for right and wrong and then it sinks in.

I hope we can do the same for Daron.