Saying "No" to Expensive Gifts

Saying "No" To Expensive Gifts

A White House economist warned this week that unemployment rolls in the United States will continue growing even as the economy recovers next year. With so many people facing hard economic times, saying "no" to a child's request for high-priced gifts doesn't have to make parents feel guilty or make children feel deprived, says UAB child psychologist Vivian Friedman, Ph.D. "Parents don't have to indulge their children. In fact, excess isn't good for them. Yet some parents use expensive gifts to compete through their children, believing that toys will make their children more powerful and popular. Parents must show their children that they're valued for themselves. After all, the best gift a parent can give a child isn't the game, it's playing it with them."

Contact Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or e-mail at [email protected].

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