I completely agree. It’s not really white or black and every situation depends on it. I have a whole separate perspective on “sharing” I never force My kids to share and I don’t expect it of others. Depending on what it is of course. Sharing is good and important but not if it’s forced. I’ll write a separate post on that.
What the kid did wasn’t so much “sharing” but rather helping himself to what isn’t is without asking permission first. I think it’s a basic rule in manners. And for a 10 year old, he seems like he didn’t grasp that even with repeated reminders.

In public situations, I tend to use other children’s behavior that I find unacceptable as teachable opportunities for my child. I am not the expert on what other people think is okay or not for their kids, but I will repeat myself over and over with my own children on what I believe. With that said, if it was a dangerous situation, sure I would intervene.

On this topic of the snacks, I also see some flattery. It looks like the child is mimicking what he sees with Maya’s sharing and he wants to do the same. He just isn’t going about it right. Why not have everyone bring something to share 🙂

You are so right! And you’re right about the distinction too between discipline and guiding behaviour. I’ve often had to remove my kids from where they were playing because no matter what I said or did, the other kid wouldn’t stop and their parent didn’t do anything about it. It sucks that my kids have to “suffer” for somebody else’s inappropriate behaviour but sometimes it’s just easier and safer that way

It’s true. Sometimes we just need to. And often the lesson sticks better when it comes from another adult that isn’t your own parent

Thanks for sharing. And yes, ultimately it’s about reaching manners and how to properly behave in public.