Bumblebee Bike is a story about borrowing what’s not yours! David takes things that do not belong to him. However, when he loses his prize possession—his bumblebee bike—he realizes how “borrowing without asking” makes others feel.
While such behavior is a normal part of childhood development, it is extremely frustrating for parents and caregivers who have children with sticky fingers! Children may understand intellectually that they shouldn’t borrow without asking, but they are emotionally motivated so they do it anyway. However, with careful guidance and modeling, kids can learn to think before acting and learn boundaries to develop positive and ethical relationships with others.
A Note to Parents and Caregivers by Mary Lamia, PhD, provides more information about this part of childhood development, and offers strategies for helping your child develop socially appropriate, ethical behavior.