Tag: Gifts

Father’s Day 2010

Father’s day is celebrated worldwide to honor fathers and their significance in the upbringing of a child. It is the 100th celebration this year, started by a women to appreciate fathers!

Fathers play a very important role in the society. They have a great influence on children. The rules of the house, education, finances and all important aspects are decided by father. Though they play a minimal role in the initial upbringing of a child, fathers do influence and take key decisions on behalf of a child and family. Some families do have single fathers raising children.

Father’s day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. In the USA, it is the third Sunday of June every year. Father’s day celebrations include giving gifts and small cards for the father.

While father’s day is being criticized by single mothers, I think men don’t need any special attention and celebration. They are usually self-centered and contented anyways. šŸ™‚

It is unknown how far they will appreciate the surprises on fathers day or rather enjoy being left alone watching game shows.

What’s with kids and gifts? How to encourage good behavior?

Kid with a gift

Ā 

A guest offers a gift bag to your kid. The kid takes it. He may or may not offer a thank you. You have to remind him to say it. Next, the kid tears open the gift right in front of the guest. You and the guest areĀ shocked. Next, the kid says to the guest he already has it and he does not like it. Now, the guest and you areĀ embarrassedĀ and totally clue less what to do.

Kids think it is alright to behave and say what they want. To some extent, parents do encourage kids to be independent and not to be afraid in any circumstances. But, parents need to explain the difference between being independent and being rude. The basic manners of being courteous, kind and nice to others must not be forgotten while emphasizing independence.

Every kid is different and may need different disciplining style.Ā  Here are some tips and best practices to encourage good behavior when presented with gifts:

  • Reminding the rules of receiving guests. Saying ‘Hello’, ‘How are you’
  • Responding to the guests questions. Saying ‘Thank you’, ‘I’m fine’
  • Looking in to the guests face directly while they are talking
  • Waiting until the conversation is complete
  • Listening actively to the conversation
  • Taking permission from the parents or guests
  • Saying ‘Thank you’ for the gift
  • Being polite and attentive all the time

The kids have to be taught that the gift has to be opened only after the guest leaves or only after coming home. They can express their view about the gift but not in front of the guest. Parents must emphasize that the guest has spend lot of money and time to buy the gift and the guest has shown lot of love and affection by buying the gift.

If the kid does not like the gift, it is better to say, ‘Thank you’ and ‘It is good that you thought of me’. This way the kid will Ā not be lying and at the same time not hurting the guest. It is important to show the kids to maintain smooth tone and polite language along with the body language. If the kid makes any rude comment, parents have to immediately ask to rephrase the statement with a polite comment.

The same rules hold good with respect to return gifts too. Rude behavior can be stopped by increasing the awareness, modeling and practice. It is also important to maintain positive reinforcement for good behavior and negative reinforcement for rude behavior.