My kiddos loved to open presents when they were young.
I cringed as each bow came off.
Sounds crazy that I wouldn’t enjoy watching my young children open gifts. But in reality, I feared birthdays and Christmases wondering what shocking statements my children would make upon unwrapping a gift. This was especially true of Bubs and Little Man as they had no filters.
So, before the first gift ever rested in their hands, we role played to practice the different emotions that come with receiving a gift. It made all the difference in the world!
I encourage you to do this as well with your kiddos so you aren’t looking for the nearest carpet to crawl under. But more importantly, so that your children learn social skills and how to respect those who give them gifts.
Jesus is Our Example
To begin the role-playing situation, discuss why gifts are given. In Matthew 2, the wisemen brought gifts to Jesus. John 3:16 states that God gave Jesus as the greatest gift to the world. We give gifts to show love, honor, and appreciation for someone.
When giving or receiving gifts we again look to Jesus as our example. His words always contained love, self-control, kindness, and joy. But Jesus’ words were always truthful.
Using Jesus as our example, two rules dictated how we respond to gifts. First, we never lie. Instead, we find something positive about the gift and share that point. Second, once the child is alone with Mommy or Daddy, he or she is free to share his emotions toward the gift – in a respectful way.
Role Play Gratitude Toward Receiving a Gift
The first step is to teach the child to acknowledge the person who gave them the gift and put the focus on the gift giver instead of the gift.
- Go to the person and look him or her in the eyes. If the person is talking, role play how to patiently wait and not interrupt.
- Tell the person, “Thank you for the gift.” For older children practice the next level of gratitude by tying the gift back to the giver or explaining how he or she will use the gift. For example, “Will you play this new game with me?” Or, “This tree Lego set will go perfectly with the house Lego set that I have.”
- Depending on the relationship with the person, giving thanks could include giving the person a hug.
Role Playing Receiving a Gift
Here are some scenarios to role play what to say when opening gifts that aren’t exactly what you hoped for.
Let’s pretend you receive a gift that you…
1) …don’t like.
We trained the kids to find a positive aspect of the gift. It could be the color, shape, size, or category. For example, “I really like the blue on this shirt.” “This is a very big bear.” “I like to play with blocks.” Also, to focus on the giver more than the gift with a statement like, “Thank you for getting a gift for me.”
2) …already have.
There is no need to share with the giver that you already have the gift unless the person specifically asks. If asked, remember that honesty is best. “I have this toy, but I really like it. Thank you for thinking of me.”
3) …don’t like and the person asks you if you like it?
Stick to the positive attributes of the gift and share what you like about the gift. Then share gratitude to the person who gave it to you.
4) …isn’t as cool as your brother’s gift?
This is a hard one. In this scenario, discuss being excited for others. Depending on the gift, the child may be able to use it too!
5) …love, like, dislike, or don’t like at all?
No matter how the child feels about the gift, focus on a grateful heart and expressing thanks to the giver.
You may have other suggestions for your kiddos. And that is okay. The point is to talk through the scenarios with your child so he or she has a toolbox of ideas before the unwrapping begins. This doesn’t mean your child won’t be caught off guard but remember you are laying a foundation. Every step in the right direction is…a step in the right direction!
So, know that if you give my child a gift and he says, “This is a nice color of blue,” the role playing paid off!
One more suggestion.
Another way to help children have gratitude for the gifts they receive is to allow them to give gifts. Whether it is making a fun craft or coloring a Christmas picture, allow the child the opportunity to give. Also, hosting a Happy Birthday Jesus party can help turn a child’s focus off themselves and on to Jesus.
AND THE WINNER OF THE Explorer Bible for Kids IS…
Entry #83 – Robin F. (email robinfult…@…)
Robin, please contact me within 48 hours using the winning email address.
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