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A totally thoughtful mom is being both criticized and praised for making an unusual Facebook request: she has asked that parents remember to be modest with their "Santa" gifts because it isn't fair for children who come from families who have less to give to find out Santa is giving others kids expensive video game consoles, bikes, and iPads. The post has been shared almost 400,000 times and quite a few people are weighing in. Many are suggesting ways parents can handle the talk about why some children get more or agreeing that children should get less from Santa, while others feel this mom is out of line and shouldn't concern herself with how parents raise their children.
Here's the mom's original Facebook post:
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I LOVE this mom's message and agree with her sentiment -- 100 percent. She has given me something to think about this holiday season, as my husband and I celebrate Christmas with a 3-year-old whose favorite new words are "I want." In a perfect and equal world, everything this mom said would happen. We would go slow at Toys 'R' Us, really think about whether we're going overboard, and not get a slight kick out of spoiling our kids.
Parents everywhere would be in cahoots with one another about how much is too much so that no feelings are hurt. No child would wonder aloud whether Santa prefers Ann because she got a $200 Frozen castle.
But that's never going to happen for two reasons: some families simply have more to spend on their children and spend it, AND other families -- who maybe don't have as much to spend -- still dish out a lot of money on gifts because doing so brings them joy at this time of year. No one is wrong or right for their decision.
There's always going to be some kid somewhere with a flashy toy that is bigger, better, and faster. We're setting our children up for a false reality by creating a world in which "Santa" gives equally. A better approach than hoping parents act with consideration for others is to teach our children to be grateful for what they have and to accept that some people are going to get items they won't -- and vice versa.
And an even better approach would be to do things that encourage children to take their minds off of themselves and think about those who have less than they do. Whether we are fortunate enough to have a very big Christmas gift budget or are barely sliding by, there are always donations we can make to toy drives and food pantries that could use our volunteer assistance.
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I am thankful for this mom for creating this discussion and debate -- and it's one that is worth thinking about whether our children still believe in Santa or are wondering if mom and dad are going to spoil them with every costly thing on their wish list.
What do you think about this mom's Facebook request?
Image via Alan Cleaver/Flickr
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