Diaper Swappers

z2akids · 11-25-2012, 08:53 AM

Glad to read your update.

I kept thinking about this issue from the future. At family get togethers when your now 4 year olds are 25, how do you want to remember this Christmas - as the one where everyone was sad and miserable because there were no gifts for the 4 year olds and because everyone knew it -- or the year that the kids were kids and peeked at their gifts? Which memory would I want? I know personally which way I would go.

Terra · 11-25-2012, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrspnut82

All these posts about taking away presents is upsetting. People would really disappoint a 4 year old on Christmas morning because he spoiled his own surprise? Kids wait for this all year, so what if they found out a little early.
Just have a convo with them, "now you know what you are getting, you won't be surprised on Christmas, do you understand?" Next year do not put them out so early. and if you do put them out before Christmas tell them again how you don't want them to spoil their own surprise, you want to see the look on their face when they see it, it's more fun that way. So do not touch them.
I put them out Christmas eve after they are in bed. They don't need to be tortured by looking at them all day/night knowing they are for them but they can't touch them. Maybe when they're older, but my oldest is 6.5 and still to young imo.

So agree. I kept feeling like gifts with strings attached.

mamaspice · 11-25-2012, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinmomstl

Update:

So I had a little chat with my boys and they said they were sorry multiple times. I took the presents downstairs and hid them while they were having quiet time in their room. I explained to them that they will no longer be surprised. I learned *my* lesson and I agree that they are only 4 and I shouldn't punish them any more than I already have, I was a super snooper as a child too so I guess it's just payback. Oh well I still have a super awesome surprise for DH

and they will still be surprised when they get their santa gifts.

I think you handled it very well! Good job mama!

mibarra · 11-25-2012, 10:21 AM

I like how you handled it. I think kids should be held accountable, but taking away all the presents is only one option for that IMO. Some kids will be perfectly fine leaving them at 4, some won't. I think the difference between 4 and 2/3 is 4 year olds have a more developed ability to anticipate but haven't fully developed self control. They know there's toys, they know they'll get them eventually, why not now? I think most 2-3 year olds aren't quite there yet, KWIM?

I know the one year we found our presents, seeing how disappointed my mom was was a much worse punishment than taking the things away. And by Christmas Id forgotten most of it so it was still a surprise!

escapethevillage · 11-25-2012, 10:55 AM

I wouldn't blame them at age four.

I think already knowing what your gifts are in advance is punishment enough.

I bet all of us know the disappointment at having ruined our surprises then wishing later that we hadn't.

Hillargh · 11-25-2012, 01:02 PM

I vote for getting them an advent calendar and let them peek at things they're allowed to!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using DS Forum

ajane · 11-25-2012, 01:43 PM

You had wrapped presents under the Xmas tree more than a month before Xmas and you didn't think they would be tempted? Even I would be horribly tempted.

NYCVeg · 11-25-2012, 05:59 PM

Glad to read your update, OP.

Add me to the list of the people who don't think this is a big deal at all, and certainly not something that warrants a "punishment." The natural consequence is that the kids are not surprised and, really...who cares?

And some kids simply aren't that into surprises. My dd is one of them. She would always rather know what's coming (even when it's presents) than be surprised.

Newton · 11-25-2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garness

I would never put presents out so early, especially with little boys. Its natural curiosity. I would have been upset as well though. I would just take them away, hid them and bring all the gifts back out on christmas eve.

This is what I would do.

Terra · 11-25-2012, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajane

You had wrapped presents under the Xmas tree more than a month before Xmas and you didn't think they would be tempted? Even I would be horribly tempted.

So true! Heck I have a hard time buying presents early and NOT giving them too!! I just love it all!!
I am so very excited this year. Both of my boys are totally into Santa Claus by their own choosing, and I can't wait to have fun!!!

11-25-2012, 08:53 AM	#101
z2akids Registered Users Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,419 Ratings: 10 Feedback: 100%	Re: My kids opened their presents Glad to read your update. I kept thinking about this issue from the future. At family get togethers when your now 4 year olds are 25, how do you want to remember this Christmas - as the one where everyone was sad and miserable because there were no gifts for the 4 year olds and because everyone knew it -- or the year that the kids were kids and peeked at their gifts? Which memory would I want? I know personally which way I would go. __________________ Jennifer

11-25-2012, 10:55 AM	#105
escapethevillage Registered Users Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 7,111 Ratings: 3 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: My kids opened their presents I wouldn't blame them at age four. I think already knowing what your gifts are in advance is punishment enough. I bet all of us know the disappointment at having ruined our surprises then wishing later that we hadn't. __________________

11-25-2012, 01:02 PM	#106
Hillargh Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Temple, GA Posts: 5,443 Ratings: 14 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	I vote for getting them an advent calendar and let them peek at things they're allowed to! Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using DS Forum __________________ Proud mama of William Alexander (6-12-11) and Benjamin Atticus (9-8-12) I now sell Thirty-One. Check it out here!

11-25-2012, 01:43 PM	#107
ajane Registered Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 15,473 Ratings: 285 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	You had wrapped presents under the Xmas tree more than a month before Xmas and you didn't think they would be tempted? Even I would be horribly tempted. __________________ sahm to 3 little women and 1 little man IVDSO: Harry Potter Lego sets & Lego Friends Butterfly Beauty Shop

11-25-2012, 05:59 PM	#108
NYCVeg Registered Users Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 193 Ratings: 5 Feedback: 100%	Re: My kids opened their presents Glad to read your update, OP. Add me to the list of the people who don't think this is a big deal at all, and certainly not something that warrants a "punishment." The natural consequence is that the kids are not surprised and, really...who cares? And some kids simply aren't that into surprises. My dd is one of them. She would always rather know what's coming (even when it's presents) than be surprised.