If your child got a gift you didn't approve of?

MomZone · 02-16-2007, 02:07 PM

If your child got a gift you didn't approve of? Such as a movie or book that you didn't think was appropriate or an outift that you normally wouldn't let them wear?

sneddy29 · 02-16-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MomZone

If your child got a gift you didn't approve of? Such as a movie or book that you didn't think was appropriate or an outift that you normally wouldn't let them wear?

We have always taught our daughter to say "Thank you for thinking of me, and I appreciate that you got me a gift". After everyone is left we re-evaluate the gifts. If it is something that we don't approve of and we can return, we do, if we can't return it we either re-gift it, or we try a resale shop.

hbixler03 · 02-16-2007, 05:43 PM

We normally say

for the gift as well, but if it is something I do not approve of, depending on what it is, I either throw it away or give it to Goodwill.

I say I throw it away because I am a Christian and if I receive something for my kids or myself that I don't feel is glorifying God or is spreading lies, then I don't want to spread those lies to children or even adults so I just put it into the trash. I sometimes feel bad about this because people spent their money on it, but I do what I feel is necessary to keep the lies away from people.

I have also found myself confronting people about what they give. I still need to confront my mother in law about a gift she gave me for Christmas, but I am hoping that she will understand because she is a woman who truly loves the Lord.

But for the most part people know what we approve of and don't so we don't face these situations very often!

rusty2rusty · 02-16-2007, 08:57 PM

If my child recieved a gift I don't approve of. I would make the child give the gift back. While I was right there. I would than explain why the gift was given back. After saying

. But we can't accept this gift.

cutiepatootie · 02-16-2007, 10:23 PM

Well...
I let them accept it and say thank U-
but later it gets "put away" and saved for the future if it will be later-or hopefully
if it isnt ever...for good!
Blessings!

babygyrl70554 · 02-16-2007, 10:45 PM

I teach my children to say "Thank You" regardless of what they receive. If they got a gift I didn't approve of, it would depend on the gift as to what I would do. If it was something that I would approve of if they were a little older, I would put it away for a later time. If it was something that was really bad, I would either give it away or throw it (depending on how bad it was). I would definately explain to my kids why we couldn't keep it so they would understand.

tssv · 02-17-2007, 10:16 AM

My son received a game called Gooey Louie for Christmas from his aunt. The object of the game is to pick a nose until the brains explode. The gift is still in the box, unopened. I have no

what to do with it! This was from my husband's sister. I do not get along with his family as it is. I did not say anything for his sake, they already have the impression I think I'm to good for them.

Diamond42377 · 02-17-2007, 10:02 PM

Well, of course I would say

and promptly put it away. If it was a gift that I didn't approve of then it was probably from someone that isn't close enough to my family to notice if I don't let them have or play with it. I would put it away for when he or she got older if it is appropriate for older children or just give it away or throw it away.

I have actually been in this situation where a neighbor brought a gift for the birth of my first child. They brought a nice scroll to hang above the crib area but on the scroll they had crossed out God (it was a relegious scroll) and put in the name of the God they worshipped whom I had never heard of until I did some research. I said

and was nice, I pretended to like the gift and hubby and I threw it away after they left.

MaryEllen · 02-18-2007, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MomZone

If your child got a gift you didn't approve of? Such as a movie or book that you didn't think was appropriate or an outift that you normally wouldn't let them wear?

My dd is "special", so we are still working on saying "Thank you" even for unwanted gifts (as opposed to falling apart in a puddle of tears, or pitching a fit). Beyond that, it depends on the gift and the giver. I have thrown out items that I will never approve of and held on to items that she might grow into. Rarely do I re-gift. I'm beginning to request gift cards when mil asks for gift suggestions!

Kdannerauthor · 02-19-2007, 12:30 PM

We receive at least one gift at every birthday party or Christmas that we don't approve of for our children. I say take advantage of this teachable moment.
For example, we didn't approve of my daughter getting makeup for her 4 year-old birthday and so we took the time to set out the future rules for makeup when she was older. We relished the opportunity to talk about the "Brats" dolls and how we felt that they were dressed innappropriately for little girls. She now actually respects our opinions and I

that she will take these values to heart once she is old enough to make choices on her own.

RE-CLAIM the JOY and become a JAHM (Joy @ HOME MOM)
kdanner@PBandJAHM.com
www.PBandJAHM.com

metz72 · 02-19-2007, 01:12 PM

My daughter received a large make up kit from my sister when she was 4. My first thought was that it was an inappropriate gift. We sent a

note and I put it on the shelf intending to regift it at sometime. One day my daughter found it and began playing with it. She came out of her room in her dress up clothes and very made up face. She had a great time and was so happy. I realized that there really wasn't anything wrong with her using the make up for dress up only.
So now I try to look at gifts with a more open mind. My initial reaction might not always be the best one.

I have been lucky in the fact that my children have never received a gift that I was morally or religiously opposed to or one that was so bad I felt I had to confront the giver about. I am not sure how I would handle that situation.

angelkatey · 02-19-2007, 04:24 PM

I guess it would really depend on the gift

If worse came to worse, i could return or regift the gift

huggles

Marie

tiffysmom · 02-20-2007, 03:25 AM

The only time I encountered that situation was when my 30 year old was 16 on her Sweet Sixteen, she was given lingerie. I was taken aback for a while but, I recuperated and told the person that, my daughter does not wear that kind of

wear,

very much. She took it well and changed it for a nice blouse.
I normally do not know what kids that I don't know like or their parents approve so I give gift cards from well know stores. That way they get what they want and everyone is happy. As for me now, I have a rule, I would say

and tell them the truth, sometimes we tend to be too polite and not express our feelings. The only way people will know what you approve or not approve is by telling them. In a nice way of course. If is a stranger, I would thank them and regift or throw away.

Polly · 02-20-2007, 01:50 PM

I would not make a scene in front of the gift giver. I would take the gift away. If possible take it back to the store and let my dd pick out something that is appropriate and approved by me. I would first take the time to explain to my daughter why I do not approve of the gift. If I couldn't take it back to the store I would decide then what to do with it. It would depend on the gift, I guess. It may be appropriate for an older child so I may let her give it to someone older. As I said it would depend on the gift.

keeverman · 08-16-2007, 07:44 PM

I am not one for taking gifts back. I feel like someone took a lot of time and thought into the gift. However there are certain things I have told my girls that they will not own and if it is given as a gift they will go back and be exchanged. I am usually pretty laid back with things but there are some things, toys and clothing especially, that I just don't approve of.