Beyond 'Be Grateful' - How to Handle Your Child's Holiday Gift Disappointment

- The Phrase That Changes Everything

Picture the scene: the presents have all been opened, and the children are showing off their gifts to one another. Your niece and nephew got the new iPad, pre-downloaded with their favorite games.

You spent hours last night putting together the dollhouse your child had been wishing for… and now they are whining because they didn’t get a brand-new iPad.

I know what is running through your mind… Ugh!! My child is so ungrateful. I would’ve never dared to complain about a holiday gift my parents gave me.

HANG ON! Before you spiral, hear this: Kids need someone to help them accept and recognize their feelings, especially during the holidays. Shaming them will only make everyone feel worse.

Rather than, “Be grateful! You got a dollhouse!”

Try, “You really wished you had that iPad too. What do you love about it?”

Guide them through their feelings instead of blowing them off or shaming them.

Your child can be thrilled with their new dollhouse AND still wish they had an iPad - just like you can love your house AND want that gorgeous kitchen you saw on IG. Wanting something different doesn't erase gratitude for what we have. As the holidays approach, give your kids permission to feel both.

Here’s another example:

Your child's best friend just got the new hot sneakers. Suddenly, their perfectly good shoes feel boring, and the tears start flowing.

Instead of: "Your shoes are fine! We just bought them! You specifically asked for those!”

Try: "You really wish you had those shoes too. They're pretty amazing with all those colors! What's your favorite part about them?"

Let your child tell you about it. It’s not your job to convince them out of their feelings- nor is it your job to fix their feelings with new shoes. It is your job to show them that their feelings are valid and that it is okay to want things.

Imagine you've had a rough day and your partner tells you to "look on the bright side." Um…. NO THANK YOU. But if they say "That sounds really hard," you start to feel better and can think more clearly. Kids work the same way - when we meet their hard feelings with understanding instead of lectures and shame, they actually move through those emotions faster. Bonus? They learn more about how to handle their feelings, and that will serve them well into adulthood.

Still shopping? Here’s a gentle reminder:

The best toys are the ones your child will play with for years to come. Rather than one WOW moment under the tree, choose toys that will grow with your child. Our guides were designed with longevity in mind.

Tap HERE to shop.

Thanks for taking time of your busy schedule to read this post

- Lizzie