Pricey or Affordable – What values are you trying to instill in your kid through the gifts offered?

No one ever wants their innocent kid to end up being spoiled and irreversibly expectant of things they take for granted. We’re sorry to break things down to you like this, but a brat is hardly ever satisfied and content with their achievements in life, not to mention others’ accomplishments.

Understandably, it’s difficult for kids to understand the value of a gesture, be it material or moral, if they lack a model to teach and instill the sentiment of appreciation and recognition. How could they credit where credit’s due without ample life experience to teach them why and how to? Kids naturally are inclined to be self-centered and self-focused in their developmental stages, so is there really a method of making both worlds meet and raise a self-sufficient and confident adult?

Looking at the bright side, parents should realize that they can always find the means to teach their kids healthy values that will help them build mutually rewarding relationships with the people around them, ensuring they attract the good they give. The journey may be long and sprinkled with challenges; nonetheless, the effort will be worth its weight in gold. So, to skip the pleasantries, we’re thrilled to break this down! The departure point lies in understanding why your bundle of joy finds it difficult to grasp your gifts’ value. Addressing these root challenges will pave the way for a smoother transition to a mentally stable human being who finds joy in everything life gives them.

Experiences don’t lie

Kids frequently miss the point of a gift, not knowing how to relate to the gesture. Should they rejoice over the figurine they’ve so long yearned for, or get mad over the fact that it’s a different color than desired? They know you’ll do your best and gift them their longed-for Miffy, so why are they making a fuss about having to wait until you submit the item order?

Possibly, a probable clash of expectations and responses is attributed to:

A lack of experience: Offsprings have only as much experience as they’ve lived, internalized, and appropriated. Imagine waking up to your beloved one offering you the keys to the luxury apartment you’ve been dreaming of. Now, do you feel like the abundance of serotonin and dopamine generated would have you unwittingly bubbling and stammering? If so, it could have to do with the fact that you’re not used to receiving such big-ticket gifts. In other words, your kid’s journey to appreciation will be paved with experiences. Help them reach this new perspective.

A focus on instant gratification: In light of rising concern over people’s urge to achieve instant gratification, the abundance of studies carried out over the past years has revealed something unique. The psychological pleasure principle guides the actions of many people who may be less aware of the mental force that catalyzes some of their actions. Since many people overlook their over-dependency on instant gratification behaviors, persisting in such self-destructive habits, how can one assume kids will nail this out of the blue?

Bottom-line mentality: Kids tend to be innately egocentric in their growth phases, inclining to be more attuned to their own longings and gratification instead of chewing over the gifter’s motivations and feelings. Experts from Miffytown suggest that some kids have a hard time taking “no” as an answer when they want the bulk of items and their parents try to reach a mutually favorable deal, for they know they’ll have to make a compromise. Why would one give up their sighed-for goodie when meeting their goal could be a few whimpers away?

A weak perception of social norms: The informal, unwritten rules of common sense that differentiate acceptable from unacceptable actions within communities and societies are learned and appropriated step by step. Youngsters are still discovering the social etiquette associated with gift giving and receiving, including how to externalize gratitude.

With guidance and age, children learn one of life’s weightiest values

Kids progressively tick off experiences and appropriate the right lessons, especially when it comes to the cognitive skills and social awareness needed to better spot and cherish gifts, efforts, and other offering acts. Offering your support and direction, kids may develop a sense of consideration and gratitude in time.

You can start by offering each other small, cheap gifts, like a coloring book or a bouquet of flowers hand-picked from your garden. Secondly, learn to express your joy by offering a model and encouraging them to explore and externalize their emotions.

What values are you trying to instill in your kid? Do you want them to appreciate the financial or sentimental effort poured into the gift-giving act? Or, maybe you want to show them what comes around goes around so that they’ll stop taking their actions and repercussions lightly.

Possibly, you find it hard to steal a smile from your kid, feeling like they'll never be fully content with the gifts received. All these things enumerated are values that can prevent them from building a happy life, as there are only a number of things they can take for granted.

Focus on your goal and make the most of the developmental phases of your kid, for this is the best time to help model a healthy mindset.

Do they know sour lemons make delicious lemonade?

People habitually identify lemons as acid, sour, and tongue-tingling, so focusing on the generally despised attributes can easily cause one to lose sight of lemons’ role. From boosting the immune system to making delicious drinks to cleaning the windows, these godsends’ array of use cases is endless.

Assuming your kid will be given a lemon they don’t like, teach them that they don’t have to taste it to make the most of their gift. They can make and sell lemonade to acquaintances, use it to freshen their room up, and so on.

With these in mind, your kid will grow up to be a mentally stable and confident adult, boasting attributes that will help them all throughout their lives.