Gift giving in a blended family can be a tricky practice. Especially if there are several kids and several active sets of parents. Unfortunately it is rude to tell others how to shop for your children unless they specifically ask you what they might like. So how do you deal with gift giving in a blended family?
It is important to recognize who the gifts are coming from. There will more than likely factor in many different people who will be shopping for your child or children. The other parent, grandparents, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and so on. It is important to recognize this and talk to your children about it early on. More than likely, in a blended family there will be someone who receives more or from more people, than others. This is typical, but as a parent it is your job to explain to the child or children it affects. You want to talk to the one who receives a lot, about not gloating or showing off. You will want to talk to the one who isn’t receiving as much about the importance of being thankful for what we do receive.
Also of importance, is remembering to be fair to each child in your household, even if the child doesn’t live there full-time. To make sure that each child is getting something they want for their birthday or holiday, it is recommended that you ask the child specifically for a list of things that they would love to receive.
As any parent knows, it is important to teach our children about the importance of gift giving, rather than receiving and to teach our children a valuable lesson about material possessions versus love and affection. Which one do you consider more important? In my opinion, your answer to this is the answer to gift giving in your family.
How do you combat problems at holiday gift giving time?
Nicole Humphrey writes about the creative and memory preserving side of life and families in the Scrapbooking Blog and Fun Blog, provides helpful hints to blended families and single parents on the Parents Blog, and provides informative tips and advice for students, teachers and parents on the Education Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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