Parenting Tips: What To Do When Child Asks You For Presents You Can't Afford

December 6, 2019

What you say to your child about presents and how you say it matters a lot, especially when you as a parent can’t afford it. Though it’s hard to discuss finances with kids it's important to be open with them.

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Spoiled kids: Signs to look out for

Parents often imagine their children to have certain qualities like kindness and obedience as they raise their little ones. Nobody wants a kid who is spoiled much less overly pampered. But how then do you know if a child is spoiled.

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Signs that a child is overly indulged include not playing well with others, frequent tantrums, he or she doesn’t express gratitude, not being not helpful, and not being generous.

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However, several child development experts don’t agree with the word "spoiled child." David Elkind, a professor of child development says:

Parents who 'spoil,' often out of the best of intentions, really want to give their children everything without their having to work for it.

Parenting tips: How to talk to children

Most parents often feel terrible about themselves when their children ask for presents during the holidays and birthdays that they can’ afford. However, there are ways of talking to kids so they can understand.

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Financial literacy advocate Beth Kobliner says the key is to be open and honest regardless of your situation. For example, explain to the child why that particular gift is not a priority. The author also adds that starting early conversations on money is ideal for children.

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Another parenting tip from Babycenter is that you have to decide what your budget is when it comes to buying stuff for your kids. Stay on an amount that you can afford and are comfortable with. After this you can start saying no when such requests exceed your budget. It also matters how you say no and what happens after you do.

Remember to let your child understand why you are saying no to avoid them thinking you don't care or understand.

How to discipline your child

Parents wants to raise kids with the right kind of discipline so that they are appreciative and well behaved. A post by Parents.com says you can discipline your child by adopting the following measures.

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Teaching kids restraint by example.
Don't debate your house rules.
Managing tantrums.
Giving encouragement instead of gifts.

Having conversations with your kids about money has proven to be an effective approach.

The material in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a certified specialist.