The best way to stop your child developing this 'gimme, gimme' sense of getting whatever they want, is to start when they are young; and what better place to start than at the most gift-giving time of year, Christmas.
Teach them to give
Make sure they make the effort to give back to family and friends in response to their gifts that they got. Making thank you cards is a really good way for your little one to appreciate the time that someone put in for choosing that gift for them.
Teach them manners and to appreciate the gift
Whether they got a gift that they don’t want, already have or is too young for them, make sure your child holds their tongue and is still grateful to the person for buying it for them.
Give them a limit
Tell them that they can only ask Santa for two or three things and no more so that they ask for things they really want rather than making a list of toys they’ve seen come up on the telly.
Pick up something for someone else
Bring them shopping for a gift for someone in need. Community centres, churches, schools and even local shops get involved in collecting gifts from the public to give to those less fortunate, so why not wrap a present up and get your child to give it in, all the while talking to them about how your youngster is lucky to be able to ask for a gift.
Give them pocket money to get gifts for others
Give your toddler some money and encourage them pick up a gift for a friend in play school or Montessori. This way they will understand the thought process that goes into getting gifts and that money is involved.
