It’s (not) a new bike! How to manage kids’ gift expectations at Christmas

By Elizabeth Westrupp, Associate Professor in Psychology, Deakin University
Christiane Kehoe, Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne

Holiday celebrations involving gift giving can be roller coasters. The excitement of tearing into gifts is often mixed with intense anticipation – and sometimes, disappointment.

After investing time, thought and money into creating a magical day, it can feel confronting when your child reacts negatively to a present. If it’s a gift you’ve chosen, you might feel hurt or frustrated. When it’s from a relative or friend, embarrassment can creep in, as you’re caught between wanting to acknowledge your child’s feelings, and worrying about offending the giver.

You might wonder…

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