Helping Your Child Navigate Unexpected Gifts
How to Help Your Child Navigate Disappointment When Gifts Aren’t What They Expected
Does your child struggle when a gift isn’t what they imagined or hoped for?
This is a common scenario—whether it’s receiving something they already have, something unexpected, or a gift that doesn't match their vision. The mismatch between expectations and reality can be genuinely disappointing—and that’s completely valid. Let’s face it, this can be tricky for adults too!
🎁 How can we support our kids in handling this disappointment?
One fun and gentle way is to practice opening “unexpected gifts.” Take everyday items like a bar of soap, a spoon, socks, or even a potato peeler and wrap them up. When your child opens these surprises, you can explore together how to respond with kindness, gratitude, and honesty, even if the gift isn’t exactly what they imagined.
💬 Here are some ideas to say:
“Sometimes our face and our words don’t match how we really feel. That’s okay—it can take practice.”
“It’s okay to feel disappointed and still say thank you.”
💡 Why This Works:
Acknowledge Big Feelings: This exercise helps your child name and process strong emotions like disappointment.
Social Understanding: It reinforces that gift-giving is about the care and thought behind the gesture—not just the item itself.
Gratitude Practice: Gratitude isn’t about pretending to like something, but appreciating the thought and care that went into the gift.
Gratitude is a skill that grows over time, and practicing in small ways now can help your child navigate real-life gift-giving moments with confidence and self-awareness—whether for birthdays, holidays, or any special event.
You’re not teaching your child to “fake” their emotions. You’re equipping them with the tools to respond to tricky social situations with compassion and emotional intelligence. 💛
About the writer:
Lauren is a speech pathologist who has over 18 years experience working with children and teenagers who present with a range of learning and communication differences. Lauren is passionate about helping others and loves to find simple and creative ways to make learning fun!
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