As a parent, it is natural to want to
provide the best of everything for your children. This is especially apparent
in terms of gifts and presents. Whatever the occasion, we are often guilty of
overspending and buying our children more than they need. Every year, there are
unwanted items and toys that never end up being played with, so why not cut
down on your gift-giving.
Less
is More
Research shows that if children have an
endless amount of toys, they actually spend less time playing.
It is also less likely that they will use their own imagination and invent
their own games. There are many advantages when it comes to keeping gifts to a
minimum. Children with many toys often have shorter attention spans as they
don’t have to stick with one plaything for any meaningful length of time. Having
fewer toys to play with can make other activities like family walks and other
outdoor activities seem more appealing.
Educational
Benefits
Your children might be desperate to own
a new games console or tablet, but think carefully before you give in to their
demands. Time spent on the Xbox or PlayStation is often solitary and does not
help children form friendships or interact with others. If children are mostly
playing with electronic gadgets, they don’t have to use their imaginations and
often become uninterested in pursuits like reading, playing sports, practicing
an instrument or drawing. Gifts that are designed to boost creativity such as
the Newton’s Cradle are ideal for children and you can find them online from
somewhere like The Discovery Store.
Personal
Qualities
Having a fewer toys can boost desirable
personal qualities in your children, as they will learn to take care of what
they do have better and really value the gifts they are given. By reducing the
number of gifts you give you also demonstrate to your children that asking for
something does not automatically mean that they will receive it.
Involve
Them in the Present Purge
If you want to get rid of some clutter
in the form of outgrown toys or unwanted presents, don’t forget to involve your
children in this process. When you decide to have a clear out, ask your
children for their opinion and let then decide which ones should stay and which
ones should go. This enables them to learn the art of decision making from a
young age and will ensure that they feel included.
Take
Your Own Advice
i grew up along with my brothers and sisters not having much even when we got older and our parents and us got better off we were taught its not about recieving gifts but to give christmas is not about presents but christs birth.
ReplyDeletei know every year we try to give alot of gifts we want to give more to our kids then what our parents could give to us when we are kids i had 3 sisters and 1 brother their was 5 of us i have 2 kids but it does seem hard to do this every year. i want the kids to know that it isnt what we get foir christmas it is about christ and being with the people we love
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