Holidays stress, how does it affect your children?

[Alba]

Just as the holidays can be stressful for adults, kids can feel the weight of this special time of the year. What difficulties do children experience as the excitement of the holidays arrives?

[goodenoughmother]

My 4-year old is having a hard time realizing presents are not just for her. I really want her to understand the value of giving but I know forcing her to give probably has the reverse affect, she just wants to hold on to things more, and I find myself saying you should be grateful for all you have, which doesn't feel right to me, either because I know developmentally she can't really grasp what that means. Any suggestions from others on how they talk to kids about this issues this time of year?

--goodenoughmother

[Alba]

I think the way we present the idea of gift giving to children is very important. I grew up knowing that I would have one gift from my parents and that was all. I did not focus so much on gifts. I think that it is better to introduce that idea of giving gifts by talking to children about the gifts that you will be giving and shopping for instead of the gifts they want. Maybe you can put it in terms such as "your aunt is so nice to you what would you like her to have? or What do you think she would like?" This puts things in perspective for your daughter and she may focus on the joy of giving.
Any other ideas?
Alba

I voted I will not buy "it" toys for my kids, just like my parents, but thats not exactly right. My parents did, on occasion, buy the "it" toys. But they only did it when it was really important to us kids and when they felt that the "it" toy was a good value - that it was worth it. Thats my attitude as well.

[KidsRlife]

I think children don't really get the concept of "giving" until they are a little older.

[HomeSweetHome]

Yea, but it's important to start them on the concept that it's not always about "getting." Especially, not always getting what they want.