Pointers for Teaching Your Kids How to Gracefully Receive Presents?

The festive season can evoke a range of feelings in young ones when it comes to gifts. Receiving a gift can be exhilarating, but it may also be overwhelming or perplexing. There exists societal expectations associated with unwrapping presents, and some kids might not find it enjoyable or know how to manage it. In this piece, we’re presenting a few methods to assist your child in cultivating an attitude of gratitude during the holiday season. Continue reading for advice on instructing your child to modestly accept gifts this time of year.

Ways to Educate Your Child on Graciously Accepting Gifts

Engage children in selecting and wrapping gifts

Involve your child in choosing and wrapping gifts for specific individuals. My kids and I have a tradition of using plain brown paper to wrap gifts, allowing them to write the recipient’s name directly on top and embellish with images or stickers to personalize the gifts. Each child also has a humble budget to purchase a surprise gift for their sibling. By involving your child in the actual process of gifting, they will connect with the concept of giving and generosity. Choosing a present together or discussing why a gift might be fitting for a particular person will impart to your child the thoughtfulness behind the gesture.

Engage in Role-playing

Role-play the act of receiving presents with your child. Act it out together so that your child comprehends the gracefulness involved and how to appropriately respond when given a gift. Take turns pretending to present a gift and demonstrate uttering “thank you!” for your child to observe.

Reflect and Share Personal Anecdotes

Inquire if your children recollect the response of their friend or family member upon receiving the gift. Voice the emotions for them: “Aunt Catie seemed so thrilled when you presented her with that book. It surely brought her much joy!” Kids relish reminiscing about past experiences and memories, so they will relish hearing about how people felt when they were surprised with a gift. Share anecdotes with them about receiving gifts you adored, as well as gifts that left you uncertain. Let them know how you handled the situation. There’s an additional lesson they should glean from this. It’s crucial to graciously express gratitude or show appreciation in a natural manner, even if they’re not enthused or delighted with the gifted item. Offering a hug, drafting a thank you note, or practicing verbal expressions of gratitude will further develop your child’s empathy and sense of appreciation.

It’s Beyond the Gift

Communicate to your child that when someone offers a gift, it signifies they are thinking of them. Convey your own sentiments of gratitude and appreciation so your child can hear those emotions being demonstrated. Pen thank you notes together, or if your child is not yet capable of writing, transcribe for them what they wish to convey, accompanied by a drawing. Call or Facetime friends and relatives together to express appreciation and exhibit loving behavior. Since children mimic the actions and language shown to them, set an example by expressing your own gratitude when you receive gifts this holiday season.