The National Retail Federation says American consumers plan to spend an average of nine-hundred-35-dollars and 58-cents during the 2016 holiday shopping season this year, and a big chunk of that will be on children. The Indiana Youth Institute has a warning: Going overboard can have long-term consequences for kids. The group’s Tami Silverman says we live in a “yes” society, but setting limits and saying no is not a bad thing for children because it teaches them self control.
Silverman says instead of increasing the number of gifts each child receives, focus on the items and experiences that create lasting memories. Involve children in selecting gifts for others because, she adds, research has shown both adults and children report feeling happier about giving than receiving.
Silverman cites research in Psychology Today that says giving children too many gifts can also lead to destructive behavior and lower self-esteem.
Silverman says there needs to be a balance. Parents who always say “no” aren’t doing their children any favors either.
Silverman says for kids who are overindulged, four out of ten are still impacted in their adolescent years, and 20 percent are negatively affected when they’re adults.