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Can a young child “own” their own posessions?
If a child were to receive a gift, is it considered theirs, halachikly, or their parents??
I ask this question, because, it occurred to me that when I used a mug that was given to my child (and he said “mommy, that’s mine”), I might have been “taking” from him without halachik reshus.
Off the top of my head, I seem to remember that a child (i.e. under bar/bas mitzvah) cannot give a possession of his away, but he can own something. (I may be mistaken.)
If you are their parent there is no issue. According to Halacha, children cannot own anything (it all belongs to their father). Mid’rabannan for some things we pretend like they own stuff, though I would assume that this doesn’t apply to their parents (I have no source for that though). If I recall correctly, there might be an issue if they are between 12-13 (11-12 for girls).
IIRC, a girl has the power of ownership. We know this because a K’tana who was married by her father can receive a get while still a K’tana.
Can a young child “own” their own possessions? Try taking it away from them. lol
imho i believe that all money that a child receives for their birthday/chanukka/etc… is theirs. I put it all checks or cash over $10 that they recieve in the bank for them for when they grow up. The person that gives the money intends it to be for the child, whether to spend on a gift at that time or to do as they please with it. I know that some parents use their childs money and i dont think its wrong, i just have a different opinion.
As far as using your sons bar mitzvah money to pay for the bar mitzvah, i dont think its fair or, as others have mentioned, i dont feel its right due to his age.
My children are young and sharing is still a skill to be worked at. Whenever they fight over a toy or game i tell them that everything in the house belongs to Totty and Mommy and we share it with all of them. Personal items are a different story.
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