We've all been there with young children or toddlers who greedily rip open presents and gifts and seem unappreciative afterward.
But experts caution that parents should not assume that a young child who displays a "gimme" or seemingly selfish attitude is necessarily a reflection on our parenting skills or efforts. It is absolutely normal and age appropriate for young children to assume that the world resolves around them. At a young age, thankfulness is not typical for young children.
While many parents may fear selfishness means they're raising a rude and unappreciative child, the truth is their child's "ingratitude" is likely a product of a developmental stage and nothing more. It takes years for children to be able to automatically think beyond their own needs and wants. However, holiday situations provide the perfect opportunity to discuss how gratitude is a nice way to show love and appreciation.
While gentle reminders ("What do you say?") can help preschoolers learn courtesy, experts say the best way to teach thankfulness is to demonstrate considerate behavior yourself and then include your child. For example, immediately reply "Let's thank Uncle George for the cool train set," but let it go at that, without dwelling. Later, as your child is enjoying playing with the train, you might explain that it makes people feel good when you thank them for gifts and that it will make your child feel good to see Uncle George happy.
Knowing that selfishness or a case of the "gimmes" is completely age appropriate can help ease any parenting anxiety so that you can then focus on gentle reminders rather than reprimands.
For more parenting articles and tips, visit the Healthy And Happy Families Website.
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