Unwanted Birthday Gifts

Ask the Experts

Naomi Aldort

Dear Naomi, My daughter's sixth birthday is coming in a few days and relatives are sending her cash and gift cards to stores like WalMart with instructions to "go buy whatever you like." Should I allow her to do this? How do you suggest I deal with this - it seems like too much for a six year old to handle. Many thanks.

Dear Parent,

Relatives and friends have no rights to give children anything they want without consulting with the parents. Parents often feel “ganged on” by well meaning friends and relatives. You are right to worry about your six-year-old exposure to unlimited marketing. I would not give her the gifts. I would communicate with the givers apologetically, acknowledging your error in not communicating what gifts you approve of, or if you wish for your child to be getting gifts at all.

Please read my response to a question about birthday parties:

http://mothering.com/birthday-parties

Warmly, Naomi Aldort, http://authenticparent.com/

Discussions

Find us on facebook	Follow us on twitter
Subscribe to our RSS feed	Follow us on Pinterest