FROM a child’s favourite toy to a shared secret between friends, possessiveness is not just about objects. It reveals powerful emotions and early experiences of the sense of ownership that shape their relationships as well as understanding of the world. One can see early signs of ‘ownership’ in children.

It’s important to explore the factors that contribute to psychological possessiveness in children and how these early experiences evolve over time. Understanding the various contributing factors helps one see how psychological possessiveness is intertwined with a child’s overall emotional and social development. A better understanding of the phenomenon leads to informed strategies to help the children manage such emotions in healthy ways.

Children can benefit from learning about boundaries. Teaching them that everyone has a right to personal space, objects and feelings fosters respect for others while helping them recognise when their own possessiveness becomes excessive. Role-playing scenarios can be a fun and effective way to practice this.

By addressing the excessive sense of possessiveness with empathy and guidance, adults, especially parents, can support children in developing healthier relationships with objects, people and their own growing sense of self.

By guiding children along the way, we can lay the foundation of a future that is marked by stronger and more balanced relationships for the adults of tomorrow.

Eman Faisal, Fahad Aziz & Fatima Aydin
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2024