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Mom Shares A Christmas Hack To Stop Kids From Begging For Toys In Shops
Mom Shares A Christmas Hack To Stop Kids From Begging For Toys In Shops
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Mom Shares A Christmas Hack To Stop Kids From Begging For Toys In Shops

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It’s a difficult time to be a parent. Shops are putting up their Christmas decorations and kids are really noticing them. Especially in the toy section. They want their gifts and they want them now.

So, after one mom got sick and tired of in-store meltdowns, she decided to put an end to them. And found a brilliant way to do so as well. Kristina Watts from Belfair, Washington came up with a simple yet genius trick – creating a photo wishlist.

More info: Facebook | Instagram

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    The mom-of-three said everything started last year. “Our town was hit by Hurricane Michael, a Cat 5 hurricane, and it was devastating. I was approached to help find a way to provide Christmas toys for a local Title 1 Elementary school. The church that usually supplies Christmas gifts to Lucille Moore Elementary couldn’t do it last year because everyone was struggling so much. So I made an Amazon Wishlist for all 500 kids, kindergarten – 5th grade, and went LIVE on Facebook and called my friends to action. Within days, our house was filled with toys from people all over the US. Then we added a second school and before we knew it, we had our own USPS truck delivering toys for a week,” she told Bored Panda.

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    “We had about $45,000 worth of toys and Razor scooters in our garage and bedroom. Our kids helped my husband and I unbox and organize all of them. Of course, as a two-year-old, you want all the toys that are in your own house. Dolls, arts and crafts, everything you can imagine. It was like having our own toy store. [Emmie] wanted to open and play with everything and did not understand that they weren’t for her. I mean she was 2!”

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    “So, I started to take pictures of her with the ones she liked and told her that maybe she can get one too,” Kristina explained. “It worked. She stopped trying to get everything out of its package. She’d carry it around, take a picture, and put it back.”

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    “We ended up distributing a toy and Razor scooter to every child at Lucille Moore Elementary, and a toy to each child at Cedar Grove Elementary. Around 1100 kids. It was crazy, but that’s how we started doing it!”

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    Kristina believes that the hack works so well because the child ultimately feels seen and validated. “Like you’re listening to them and getting excited with them. I’m not promising Emmie all of these toys, nor does she get them all. It’s just hope and joy. It’s the modern-day version of circling all the toys in the JC Penney catalog. We never thought we’d get it all, but it’s fun to dream and feel like your parents are looking.”

    “A lot of people have been criticizing me for not just ‘saying no,'” she added. “Believe me, my children hear ‘NO’. A lot. This post was just something fun and quick I threw up on Facebook one night. I’m not trying to be a parenting guru, I’m by no means the perfect parent. I’m just another mom, running all the Christmas errands, trying to make shopping a little easier and a little more fun. I’m just trying to do my best and raise decent humans. This hack is just another way to prevent some tears and get through. Plus, how cute is Emmie in all these pictures on my phone?!”

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    Here’s what people said about Kristina’s trick

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    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

    Read less »
    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Ilona Baliūnaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

    What do you think ?
    Jason Stanley
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Heck...I do this with MYSELF. I take pics of things I think I want in the moment. Later (when I'm home) I go through the pics and delete the ones I don't actually want. I will then search online for the things I REALLY want and usually end up finding them at a better price.

    Carly Kirn
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this too haha. I have a folder on my phone of pictures and screenshots of things I want to buy. I visit it every so often and remove stuff I no longer want after the moment passed.

    Load More Replies...
    L McN
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To all the people with the "back in my day" comments, YAY. I somewhat agree, I did the same. But seriously, move on...life and technology has changed, stop bashing parents for using tricks that are available to them but were not available to you or yours. Grow...Up! Yes, even the "adults" here need to grow up. My kids don't need this trick, they accept the word No. But, I still use it for ideas for their birthday and christmas, and it does work. I also dont tell them Santa is real (I have an issue with the lie, but also teach them not to interfere with other kids believing and the spirit of Santa and giving is important) so they know that the pictures are idea generation for family. They might get it, and like circling the overly expensive gifts in a catalog from my day it allows them to dream of getting a huge item they know is unlikely.

    J. Normal
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought " back in my day, I wish I had this opportunity". I just did everything in my power to avoid the toy store/ department at this time of year and said: "ask Santa".

    Load More Replies...
    TheExtremeSmell
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Back in my day we didn’t have phones or gifts or happiness.

    Id row
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents didn't tolerate tantrums so we knew better than to have them in the first place. I can't even imagine them trying to negotiate with us like that when I was a kid.

    Grumble O'Pug
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Raising a greedy little over consumer.

    Chris Watson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I rarely took my kids out to shop with me.

    Marina
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're lucky you didn't need too, not everybody has the luxury

    Load More Replies...
    joi
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    why take them to see the plastic manufactured c**p in the first place? Ever hear of gifting experiences? Give a kid lunch and an afternoon exploring the natural history museum.

    Liz Perry
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know, if this was my sister growing up she would have expected every one of those gifts under the tree. Granted her memory is outrageously good, but I would love to see an update about this AFTER Christmas.

    Dynein
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah. Even if the kid tends to forget things quickly, there might be some things they get really excited about owning so they don't forget those... Telling them that they can't have everything (which is the truth, no matter how much you sugar-coat it) forces them to make priorities, and gives you the chance to get them what they want the most.

    Load More Replies...
    Rissie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Besides this working like a charm to prevent endless whining, it also comes in handy when you actually have to buy something. When I see the pictures it's easier to recollect what they actually seem to want and what was just because of the moment and being there and being a kid in 2019.

    Hanna Uehre
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What happened to teaching your kids "NO" and teaching them NOT to have tantrums . Tantrums = consequences. There is no way my mom would have tolerated a tantrum. Not at home. Not in public for sure.

    Rachel Hamrick
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Um...here's a parenting hack...don't spoil or entitle your kids. My parents didn't treat my brothers and I that way and we never acted like the world owed us something. I am raising my daughters the SAME way, as a single mom. No issues.

    Spikey Bunny
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to let my kids pick out toys to donate. It made them surprisingly happy to share their good fortune, and they learned to keep giving as they grew up.

    Erika Jones
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good idea - glad it's working for you! Thanks for sharing it. Also, your daughter is adorable. :-D

    Jennine Paul
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or you could teach your kids not to act that way and that they don't get everything they want. Grossssss.

    Viviane Katz
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jennine Paul, how did you teach your kids? Was it easy?

    Load More Replies...
    valed
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess parents nowadays are afraid to teach their kids the word no and that they don't NEED all the toys. Would create 1000 ways to avoid tantrums instead of dealing with the actual problem...

    Karen Klinck
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The kid is 2, not 5. It's not like Mom can either leave her home alone or tie her out in the car. And she said they were buying for underprivileged kids, so she *had* to go in amongst the "I-want-that-for-Christmas",er, stuff. This is a legitimate way to ward off tantrums until the kid is old enough to just look longingly at stuff. I think it's brilliant, myself. It's a parent showing interest in her child's interests.

    Load More Replies...
    Batty
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or... you could just say no & teach your kid not to throw tantrums.

    Parmeisan
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure they do that at home (it says in the article that she says no a lot), but that takes time and in the middle of a store, not really worth it. Besides, for really little kids you can't reason with them. Seven is the age of reason. Before that you are just wasting your energy.

    Load More Replies...
    Om
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so what happens when Christmas comes and they get none of those presents? Will the trick work another year?

    rabbit
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the suggestion. There are those who take pictures of everything, but I'm not one of them. Of course, I don't have any cute little ones who do cute things just by existing. However, my nephew, when he was middle school age, was an impulsive shopper who wanted the first thing he spotted in the store. I convinced him to wait until we picked up what we went in for. Sometimes he found other things he wanted but decided to wait until we were ready to leave before making his choice. By the time we were ready for checkout, he had decided that he really didn't want any of it after all. Sometimes he got something, but usually was satisfied with nothing, the impulse was quelled during the walk around the store.

    Denise Melek
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How to reschedule the tantrum to Christmas Eve.

    Karen Klinck
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Back in the day" when I was jonsing for something from Santa, we wrote him. I don't know WHAT my parents thought from age 5-10, when the only thing on my list was a horse. (We lived in the suburbs. I didn't get one.)

    Kit Cassidy
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am a Karen and I judge you as: AWESOME!!! This hack is EPIC!!! Also my kids are wild as anything, I'm not judging anyone's kids!

    Panda Panda
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or you could just stop lying to children about Christmas.....

    Dorothy Parker
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even better, don't shop so much, leave darling child a home when you have to.

    Brandy Grote
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I recall a father, when confronted with "is Santa real?" had an opportunity to offer a lesson in the true Christmas spirit - giving to others. It was good!

    Brandy Grote
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice. And if you see your kid consistently going to the same toy, staring wistfully at it, you know you'll have a winner for Santa to bring.

    DotC
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a good idea. Photos are also a good idea when a friend borrows a book or DVD or anything, really. Then you KNOW who you let borrow it.

    Kim Bush
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where has the attitude of entitlement in children come from nowadays? Me and my siblings wouldn't have thought to act up in public. Not that we had the idea and thought better of it... We just didn't get the thought of embarrassing our parents in public. Ever. It was a simple matter of respect. In our parents and ourselves. Something sadly lacking nowadays.

    L C
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh yes, absolutely cater to their every whine!! Try being a parent and say NO!!!!!

    Steve Cruz
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It will work her entire life long! My friend took photos of her daughter trying on different wedding gowns and then of the bridesmaids trying on different dresses. Instead of poring over magazines with tall skinny models, she looked at herself in different designs, made a list of all the things she liked most, then went to the bridal store and asked if they had a gown with these three design elements. THEY DID! Done in a week. She also let her three bridesmaids pick out their own cream-colored dresses -- photo-approved, of course -- and they wore a lavender ribbon around their waist that matched the flowers. Mischief managed!

    Lesley Relph
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Genius tip from a blogger I follow for behaving at home - tell them the smoke alarm is Santa's surveillance system and he's watching them. If they really kick off, burn some toast to set it off and tell them Santa's seen them being naughty...

    Stan Chung
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That works for adults too. What do you think Pinterest and online shopping wishlists are for? bwahaha. But credit to mom's who have figured out a way to curtail tantrums.

    Kika González
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope she reads this. Look up THE KNEELING SANTA children's books!

    Christie Wright
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Abusive sounding? Tell that to your "kid" that's been to jail 100 times. Do you want them to learn now or never?

    Aaron Goldfinch
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just goes to show that kids need attention more than the things that are aimed at them on TV & in the shops.

    Carol Hinton
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Two comments. One we always told our girls before entering a store why we were there and what I was purchasing. Our oldest tried the tantrum route the get a Barbie when I only had money for a spool of thread. My solution... to grab the child and leave the store and go home. My neice pulled this once with me while shopping with my mom and sister. Yup, I grabbed the child and announced we would wait in the car. Again never tried this again. The only time the tantrum almost worked involved ruining the child's surprise. My middle daughter threw a crying fit over a doll. It was a Cabbage kid astronaut. I said no. She cried harder and promised to be my slave for the rest of her life if I would buy her the doll for Christmas. After what seemed like hours of her washing (tears) and drying (rolling on) the floor in toys-are-us. I looked her straight in the eye and asked if she thought I wouldn't get her the doll. I than explained that I already purchased the doll and it was home.

    Stille20
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It doesn't sound like a terrible idea, but that kid picks up EVERYTHING.

    Tacitus86
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I usually think these articles are stupid, but this is actually quite ingenious!

    Elizabeth
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is brilliant! I would say with jewelry items to get a good close-up so that family members can see it better.

    Nunya
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Simple and cheap additional hack: Buy a CHEAP prepaid cell phone and put 50 bucks on it. Then, use THAT number as "Santa's". The kid is none the wiser, you can have a phone number that is legitimately "Santa's" and no one else's, then can later decide who should get what for the child, if anyone needs gift ideas.

    Night Owl
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great idea. The one with the note from Santa, too; but get someone else to write the note so the kid doesn't recognize the handwriting

    Claudia Machado
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this for myself when I go to the bookstore. I take pictures and later I go to Amazon to see if the books are available for Kindle. Usually I end up not buying anything. It doesn't work with other items so I don't recommend doing it when is Black Friday, for instance.

    Jo Choto
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a great idea. Guess I'm lucky that I never got the kinds of kids that had a meltdown when they heard the word no though!

    Susanna Latvaniemi
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When im shopping and if i see parents whit melt down kids.. I go there and look littel worry and i say "oh no do you saw the santas littel helper just ther" and kids at least stop.. Then i say whisper " you are nice to momy and Sister.. 😉👍 Many time parents get me and ask where i saw.. 😉👍

    Davidswifey
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yea it’s always a great thing to do! You have absolutely no idea of what is actually causing their current problems, but because you can’t mind your own business/life you have to jump right in.

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    Mark CM
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a lying manipulative b***h!

    Alonso Victoria
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait! Isn't that a standar move world wide??? Here in México have seen this quite a wile, or a slight variation " mom i want that" "Cool sweetie, draw (or remember) it and send it to santa (or los reyes magos) in your letter".

    brandon sat
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lol, i do the exact thing with my girls. i tell them let me take a picture of it so i can tell santa you want it....thought i was the only one ;-)

    Patrick Farley
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I LOVE this idea. Mom is right, it validates the kid, and makes her feel heard, but without any promises.

    Kitty Welbergen
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is Pinterest, but also great parenting. I also do it for myself...saves me a ton of money!

    Kathy Baylis
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Genius idea, and way less emotionally abusive-sounding like others I’ve heard. Especially since kids have always (since time immemorial) wanted everything they saw while in the store, but totally forgot about it by the time they got home. Plus it makes it really easy for the person you decide to pass the picture to, if you feel your child really does want that particular thing, instead of it being a passing fancy. It can be hard for some people to shop for children, since not everyone has kids the same age or is up to date on all the latest popular toys and gadgets.

    Charlese Bonca
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand why people are downvoting you. I completely agree with you

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    Jack Benjamin Clipman
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    What happens when your son or daughter doesn't LIKE pictures? What do you do then?

    rixiejohn
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    start creating income $18K + every month online from home job.i received $20K in this month and i am a full time college student and i do it this work in my spare time in just 2 to 4 hours a day.every person can now get this job and start earning real money online from home by just open this web link and follow instructions......... Start get paid every month more than $20K just by working online from home. I have received $25K in this month by just doing simple work from home. Its an easy and simple job to do. i am a full time student and do in part time work from home and makes more income you Don't think too much just get this job right now by just follow this link and Follow Instructions........ Open This Website ➠➠➠➠ ­WWW­.­instaBliP­.­Com­ℱ­ The Word " ­ℱ­ " is not with web address.

    Charlese Bonca
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop trying to sell your product hon, it's just plain obnoxious

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    Jason Stanley
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Heck...I do this with MYSELF. I take pics of things I think I want in the moment. Later (when I'm home) I go through the pics and delete the ones I don't actually want. I will then search online for the things I REALLY want and usually end up finding them at a better price.

    Carly Kirn
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this too haha. I have a folder on my phone of pictures and screenshots of things I want to buy. I visit it every so often and remove stuff I no longer want after the moment passed.

    Load More Replies...
    L McN
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To all the people with the "back in my day" comments, YAY. I somewhat agree, I did the same. But seriously, move on...life and technology has changed, stop bashing parents for using tricks that are available to them but were not available to you or yours. Grow...Up! Yes, even the "adults" here need to grow up. My kids don't need this trick, they accept the word No. But, I still use it for ideas for their birthday and christmas, and it does work. I also dont tell them Santa is real (I have an issue with the lie, but also teach them not to interfere with other kids believing and the spirit of Santa and giving is important) so they know that the pictures are idea generation for family. They might get it, and like circling the overly expensive gifts in a catalog from my day it allows them to dream of getting a huge item they know is unlikely.

    J. Normal
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought " back in my day, I wish I had this opportunity". I just did everything in my power to avoid the toy store/ department at this time of year and said: "ask Santa".

    Load More Replies...
    TheExtremeSmell
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Back in my day we didn’t have phones or gifts or happiness.

    Id row
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents didn't tolerate tantrums so we knew better than to have them in the first place. I can't even imagine them trying to negotiate with us like that when I was a kid.

    Grumble O'Pug
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Raising a greedy little over consumer.

    Chris Watson
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I rarely took my kids out to shop with me.

    Marina
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're lucky you didn't need too, not everybody has the luxury

    Load More Replies...
    joi
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    why take them to see the plastic manufactured c**p in the first place? Ever hear of gifting experiences? Give a kid lunch and an afternoon exploring the natural history museum.

    Liz Perry
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know, if this was my sister growing up she would have expected every one of those gifts under the tree. Granted her memory is outrageously good, but I would love to see an update about this AFTER Christmas.

    Dynein
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah. Even if the kid tends to forget things quickly, there might be some things they get really excited about owning so they don't forget those... Telling them that they can't have everything (which is the truth, no matter how much you sugar-coat it) forces them to make priorities, and gives you the chance to get them what they want the most.

    Load More Replies...
    Rissie
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Besides this working like a charm to prevent endless whining, it also comes in handy when you actually have to buy something. When I see the pictures it's easier to recollect what they actually seem to want and what was just because of the moment and being there and being a kid in 2019.

    Hanna Uehre
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What happened to teaching your kids "NO" and teaching them NOT to have tantrums . Tantrums = consequences. There is no way my mom would have tolerated a tantrum. Not at home. Not in public for sure.

    Rachel Hamrick
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Um...here's a parenting hack...don't spoil or entitle your kids. My parents didn't treat my brothers and I that way and we never acted like the world owed us something. I am raising my daughters the SAME way, as a single mom. No issues.

    Spikey Bunny
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to let my kids pick out toys to donate. It made them surprisingly happy to share their good fortune, and they learned to keep giving as they grew up.

    Erika Jones
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good idea - glad it's working for you! Thanks for sharing it. Also, your daughter is adorable. :-D

    Jennine Paul
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or you could teach your kids not to act that way and that they don't get everything they want. Grossssss.

    Viviane Katz
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jennine Paul, how did you teach your kids? Was it easy?

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    valed
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess parents nowadays are afraid to teach their kids the word no and that they don't NEED all the toys. Would create 1000 ways to avoid tantrums instead of dealing with the actual problem...

    Karen Klinck
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The kid is 2, not 5. It's not like Mom can either leave her home alone or tie her out in the car. And she said they were buying for underprivileged kids, so she *had* to go in amongst the "I-want-that-for-Christmas",er, stuff. This is a legitimate way to ward off tantrums until the kid is old enough to just look longingly at stuff. I think it's brilliant, myself. It's a parent showing interest in her child's interests.

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    Batty
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or... you could just say no & teach your kid not to throw tantrums.

    Parmeisan
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure they do that at home (it says in the article that she says no a lot), but that takes time and in the middle of a store, not really worth it. Besides, for really little kids you can't reason with them. Seven is the age of reason. Before that you are just wasting your energy.

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    Om
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so what happens when Christmas comes and they get none of those presents? Will the trick work another year?

    rabbit
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the suggestion. There are those who take pictures of everything, but I'm not one of them. Of course, I don't have any cute little ones who do cute things just by existing. However, my nephew, when he was middle school age, was an impulsive shopper who wanted the first thing he spotted in the store. I convinced him to wait until we picked up what we went in for. Sometimes he found other things he wanted but decided to wait until we were ready to leave before making his choice. By the time we were ready for checkout, he had decided that he really didn't want any of it after all. Sometimes he got something, but usually was satisfied with nothing, the impulse was quelled during the walk around the store.

    Denise Melek
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How to reschedule the tantrum to Christmas Eve.

    Karen Klinck
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Back in the day" when I was jonsing for something from Santa, we wrote him. I don't know WHAT my parents thought from age 5-10, when the only thing on my list was a horse. (We lived in the suburbs. I didn't get one.)

    Kit Cassidy
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am a Karen and I judge you as: AWESOME!!! This hack is EPIC!!! Also my kids are wild as anything, I'm not judging anyone's kids!

    Panda Panda
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or you could just stop lying to children about Christmas.....

    Dorothy Parker
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even better, don't shop so much, leave darling child a home when you have to.

    Brandy Grote
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I recall a father, when confronted with "is Santa real?" had an opportunity to offer a lesson in the true Christmas spirit - giving to others. It was good!

    Brandy Grote
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice. And if you see your kid consistently going to the same toy, staring wistfully at it, you know you'll have a winner for Santa to bring.

    DotC
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a good idea. Photos are also a good idea when a friend borrows a book or DVD or anything, really. Then you KNOW who you let borrow it.

    Kim Bush
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where has the attitude of entitlement in children come from nowadays? Me and my siblings wouldn't have thought to act up in public. Not that we had the idea and thought better of it... We just didn't get the thought of embarrassing our parents in public. Ever. It was a simple matter of respect. In our parents and ourselves. Something sadly lacking nowadays.

    L C
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh yes, absolutely cater to their every whine!! Try being a parent and say NO!!!!!

    Steve Cruz
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It will work her entire life long! My friend took photos of her daughter trying on different wedding gowns and then of the bridesmaids trying on different dresses. Instead of poring over magazines with tall skinny models, she looked at herself in different designs, made a list of all the things she liked most, then went to the bridal store and asked if they had a gown with these three design elements. THEY DID! Done in a week. She also let her three bridesmaids pick out their own cream-colored dresses -- photo-approved, of course -- and they wore a lavender ribbon around their waist that matched the flowers. Mischief managed!

    Lesley Relph
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Genius tip from a blogger I follow for behaving at home - tell them the smoke alarm is Santa's surveillance system and he's watching them. If they really kick off, burn some toast to set it off and tell them Santa's seen them being naughty...

    Stan Chung
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That works for adults too. What do you think Pinterest and online shopping wishlists are for? bwahaha. But credit to mom's who have figured out a way to curtail tantrums.

    Kika González
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope she reads this. Look up THE KNEELING SANTA children's books!

    Christie Wright
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Abusive sounding? Tell that to your "kid" that's been to jail 100 times. Do you want them to learn now or never?

    Aaron Goldfinch
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just goes to show that kids need attention more than the things that are aimed at them on TV & in the shops.

    Carol Hinton
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Two comments. One we always told our girls before entering a store why we were there and what I was purchasing. Our oldest tried the tantrum route the get a Barbie when I only had money for a spool of thread. My solution... to grab the child and leave the store and go home. My neice pulled this once with me while shopping with my mom and sister. Yup, I grabbed the child and announced we would wait in the car. Again never tried this again. The only time the tantrum almost worked involved ruining the child's surprise. My middle daughter threw a crying fit over a doll. It was a Cabbage kid astronaut. I said no. She cried harder and promised to be my slave for the rest of her life if I would buy her the doll for Christmas. After what seemed like hours of her washing (tears) and drying (rolling on) the floor in toys-are-us. I looked her straight in the eye and asked if she thought I wouldn't get her the doll. I than explained that I already purchased the doll and it was home.

    Stille20
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It doesn't sound like a terrible idea, but that kid picks up EVERYTHING.

    Tacitus86
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I usually think these articles are stupid, but this is actually quite ingenious!

    Elizabeth
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is brilliant! I would say with jewelry items to get a good close-up so that family members can see it better.

    Nunya
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Simple and cheap additional hack: Buy a CHEAP prepaid cell phone and put 50 bucks on it. Then, use THAT number as "Santa's". The kid is none the wiser, you can have a phone number that is legitimately "Santa's" and no one else's, then can later decide who should get what for the child, if anyone needs gift ideas.

    Night Owl
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great idea. The one with the note from Santa, too; but get someone else to write the note so the kid doesn't recognize the handwriting

    Claudia Machado
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this for myself when I go to the bookstore. I take pictures and later I go to Amazon to see if the books are available for Kindle. Usually I end up not buying anything. It doesn't work with other items so I don't recommend doing it when is Black Friday, for instance.

    Jo Choto
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a great idea. Guess I'm lucky that I never got the kinds of kids that had a meltdown when they heard the word no though!

    Susanna Latvaniemi
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When im shopping and if i see parents whit melt down kids.. I go there and look littel worry and i say "oh no do you saw the santas littel helper just ther" and kids at least stop.. Then i say whisper " you are nice to momy and Sister.. 😉👍 Many time parents get me and ask where i saw.. 😉👍

    Davidswifey
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yea it’s always a great thing to do! You have absolutely no idea of what is actually causing their current problems, but because you can’t mind your own business/life you have to jump right in.

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    Mark CM
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a lying manipulative b***h!

    Alonso Victoria
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait! Isn't that a standar move world wide??? Here in México have seen this quite a wile, or a slight variation " mom i want that" "Cool sweetie, draw (or remember) it and send it to santa (or los reyes magos) in your letter".

    brandon sat
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lol, i do the exact thing with my girls. i tell them let me take a picture of it so i can tell santa you want it....thought i was the only one ;-)

    Patrick Farley
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I LOVE this idea. Mom is right, it validates the kid, and makes her feel heard, but without any promises.

    Kitty Welbergen
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is Pinterest, but also great parenting. I also do it for myself...saves me a ton of money!

    Kathy Baylis
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Genius idea, and way less emotionally abusive-sounding like others I’ve heard. Especially since kids have always (since time immemorial) wanted everything they saw while in the store, but totally forgot about it by the time they got home. Plus it makes it really easy for the person you decide to pass the picture to, if you feel your child really does want that particular thing, instead of it being a passing fancy. It can be hard for some people to shop for children, since not everyone has kids the same age or is up to date on all the latest popular toys and gadgets.

    Charlese Bonca
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand why people are downvoting you. I completely agree with you

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    Jack Benjamin Clipman
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    What happens when your son or daughter doesn't LIKE pictures? What do you do then?

    rixiejohn
    Community Member
    6 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

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    Charlese Bonca
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop trying to sell your product hon, it's just plain obnoxious

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