As a parent, you know that kids cannot tell the difference between what they want and what they need. Let's face it, kids just want the latest thing out there and are very highly influenced by what their friends are doing. You do not have the luxury of being able to buy everything they want or the time to research everything that comes along to make sure it is safe and that it teaches your children good habits rather than bad. The best that you can do is find alternative options and hope that it is entertaining and appreciated. Here are a few ideas that might get you through Christmas without too much drama.
Your child wants an electric guitar. It is wonderful that they are expressing an interest in music. It shows that they are looking for a creative outlet and that they have healthy dreams and a goal in mind. However, an electric guitar is about three steps too many and can be very expensive. A regular box guitar or a starter guitar is a much more sensible choice and explaining to the child that this is the way to start is easier than telling them you just can't afford to purchase something that has a better than average chance of collecting dust under the bed before spring. Hint: give a "Guitar for Beginners" book and let them know that if they are diligent, and become proficient with the starter, there is an electric guitar in their future.
Video games that promote violence are not your cup of tea but your child would kill zombies for a living if it were possible. There are no easy ways to let down a child who has their heart set on a certain title but there is an option that will make the disappointment a little easier to bear. Sports games are fun, have plenty of action, and require the kind of skill that makes zombie killing pretty lame. If you are lucky enough to have a teen that is into the sports games, perfect. If not, get them started. They will get enough blood and gore on TV.
The problem with electronic gadgets is that they become obsolete every three months. The secret that the technological empire does not want you to know is that we jumped about fifty years on the technological front, which means a loss to the companies that control this market. Rather then make the products they are capable of making out on the leading edge of the technology, these companies are milking the market by advancing their products one small step or two at a time. Rather than purchasing these products for Christmas, sign you child up with a service that charges for the use and provides the equipment at a small charge and then let the child know his or her usage limitation. They are more apt to stay within affordable bounds if they know there is an upgrade waiting if and only if they do.
Designer shoes and clothes are one of the most sought after items not just at Christmastime but all year around. Sports figures that both you and your child admire are getting into the game at about a dozen a month and it is all but impossible to afford any of them. This is where the barter system comes into play. Let your teenager know in advance that you will look into getting either one complete, mid-range outfit that includes the shoes or two pair of shoes or two set of clothes.
This way, the child knows what to expect and you do not worry yourself to death that they will be disappointed by getting something that they did not want or not getting it at all. Make them earn it with chores and tasks that make life easier for both of you.
Your little ones can be placated from nagging you with Santa Calls or Phone Calls from Santa before Christmas. (Yes, this service is available from reliable companies.) Your teen however, can be ruthless when it comes to begging for what they want rather than what they need. Be firm and let them know what to expect and the holidays will not put you into a holidays.
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