My husband and I are pretty particular about what our boys watch and play with. We have some family members who know about these boundaries and despite our polite requests still send these types of gifts. When it's a token of love for our child, should we take it away from our child when it directly conflicts with what we teach, or should we attempt to explain why we don't do it..and let them play with the toy? We don't want to breed self-righteousness in our kids..but we also be consistent in how we run our home.
2007-02-24 07:16:49 · 5 answers · asked by garretts4good 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
If they are going against your direct (and polite) requests, then you have every right to return/exchange these gifts, free of guilt. You should not compromise your beliefs because others are pushy and don't respect your requests. They are basically saying with their actions that they think your beliefs/practices are stupid and not worth being respected.
2007-02-24 07:24:35 · answer #1 · answered by LaundryGirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They know what you feel is inappropriate. They still send the gifts so you have every right to take the gifts away. What are the gifts you don't like and why don't you like them? You need to explain this to your kids every time they get a gift that you don't allow. After the boy opens the gift explain and then tell him you'll exchange it for a gift of his choice. It doesn't breed self-righteousness--it shows a kid to stand up for what they believe in. Explain that it's okay for their cousins to play with these toys but in your family you don't feel it's right. Explain the fact that every family is different. They need to understand that while they aren't better then the rest of the family but they are different. Tricky but it can be done. Best of Luck!
2007-02-24 15:47:21 · answer #2 · answered by .vato. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you say send so i am assuming you are getting these in the mail, if that is the case, I would open it first, return the gift that conflicts with your beliefs and get them something else. Since these family members are unwilling to listen to you.
2007-02-24 15:21:45 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im sure your relatives are not sending things that would be harmful to your kids. it sounds like you may be a little over protective. but some more info like what kinds of toys and the ages of your kids migh help us undestnd more what you mean.
2007-02-24 15:22:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my family kept giving my kids religious gifts. i said no. they put guilt on me. i told them i would sell it and give the kids the money. they got really mad. way more guilt trips. she is 7 and they finally just stopped
2007-02-24 15:30:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋