Kids and Gifts

[Ms. Parker]

I know it's easy to go overboard when buying Christmas presents for the kids.

In order to try to teach our kids to not be greedy and selfish, we've gotten them involved years ago in picking out gifts for others.

They will hopefully then know that thought, time and care has gone into choosing a gift, and it will also hopefully mean that they won't be rude or selfish when receiving a gift. i.e. "That's not what I wanted!" or "This is stupid!"

Prior to Christmas, I'm also making them go through their toys to give ones that they no longer play with to charity. They've been informed that Santa will be watching what they're doing... ;)

[Mummy deer-est]

We do a present "talk" in the days leading up to the big un-wrap. They get reminded, that while you may not like the gift, or have it already, someone spent time/money/thought into getting it just for you, so be polite and thankful. We even do this before birthdays -- and give little mini situations to practice. It might be going overboard, but I know how much I love to give presents, and I want them to realize that while getting is great, others also love to be rewarded with smiles when they give.

My two were too little in previous years to help in gift choosing, but eldest could probably help this year, *with out saying, "Daddy would probably want the pretty pink princess"* so, we'll try that too!

[Sickie Ickie]

My two step kids have that challenge. They pout when they don't get presents they wanted. Drives me up the wall! My 3rd youngest is 3 years old, so he'll be getting the present "talk" for sure!