Toys such as the Baby Three bag or Labubu tend to be unique, fashionable, and creative. However, many people believe that they don’t offer long-term value, as parents may waste money if they rush to fulfill their children’s demands, and the children may exhibit similar behavior in the future when they want other trendy toys.

Illustrative image.

Additionally, not all families can afford these expensive toys. Children are easily influenced by their peers, and they may feel pressured to own the latest toys to fit in and assert themselves within their social circle.

Therefore, when children insist on owning these trendy toys, it’s crucial for parents to take appropriate measures to manage their children’s demands. It’s also essential to discuss with children the value of money and the importance of wise spending.

Psychologist Quang Thi Mong Chi.

Should parents immediately satisfy their children’s demands or use a different strategy to teach them about choosing appropriate toys and the value of money?

When children insistently demand trendy toys like the aforementioned bags, parents should refrain from immediately fulfilling their requests. Instead, they should employ suitable strategies to help their children understand the value of money and make intelligent choices when it comes to toys.

Firstly, parents should listen to their children and try to understand their reasons for wanting the toy. Is it because they genuinely like it or simply because their friends have it? Open communication will help children gain a clearer understanding of their desires.

Next, parents can seize this opportunity to educate their children about the value of money. Explain that toys are a form of expense and that not every toy is worth purchasing. If a toy is too expensive, compare its value to other items to help your child realize that the same amount of money could buy many more useful things.

Another approach is to encourage children to save up their allowance or do chores to earn the money to buy the toy they want. This teaches them financial management and helps them evaluate whether the toy is truly important to them. Parents can also consider giving the toy as a gift on special occasions like birthdays or as a reward for good academic performance, rather than buying it immediately upon request.

This teaches children that they can’t always get everything they want right away and that there should be valid reasons for their requests. Additionally, parents can guide their children towards more sustainable consumption by explaining that while there are many trendy toys, not all of them offer lasting value. If a toy is too expensive or inappropriate, suggest a more reasonable alternative.

Finally, to prevent impulsive buying decisions, parents can propose that their children wait for a while. If, after a few weeks, the child still genuinely wants the toy, the parents can reconsider. This teaches patience and encourages thoughtful decision-making. Instead of giving in to every demand, parents can use these opportunities to teach their children about financial responsibility, wise spending, and the value of making intelligent choices.

What should parents do when their children persistently demand something to manage their emotions and maintain calm in this situation?

When children exhibit demanding behavior, parents need to stay calm and manage their own emotions to avoid angry reactions or excessive concessions. First, take a moment to pause and breathe deeply to regain composure before responding.

Understanding that this is a natural reaction for children can also help parents reduce stress, as children haven’t yet fully developed emotional control and behavioral regulation like adults. When faced with a child’s whining or tantrum, parents should maintain a gentle yet firm tone. Instead of shouting, speak slowly and decisively, for example: “I understand that you really like this toy, but I can’t buy it for you today. If you still want it after some time, we can reconsider.”

Additionally, parents should avoid arguing or immediately giving in to the child’s demands. If the child throws a tantrum in public, take them to a quieter place to explain instead of engaging in a heated discussion on the spot. It’s also crucial to set clear boundaries. If the child realizes that throwing a fit will get them what they want, they will continue this behavior.

Therefore, parents need to stand firm and not change their decision just because the child persists. In this situation, distraction can be an effective strategy. Parents can redirect the child’s attention to another activity, such as going for a walk or engaging in a different activity.

Moreover, teaching children how to express their desires politely is essential. Instead of whining, children should learn to calmly articulate their wishes, for example: “If you truly want this toy, please explain the reason to your parents clearly.” After the situation has passed, parents should take the time to talk to their children about what happened and help them learn from it.

Ask questions like: “What did you do earlier? How did you feel when you were refused?” to help them reflect and gradually learn to manage their emotions. Overall, when children persistently demand something, the most important thing for parents is to remain calm, avoid negative reactions, and guide their children towards reasonable expressions of desire.

By being firm, avoiding arguments, and responding gently yet decisively, children will understand that they can’t always get their way. As a result, they will gradually learn to regulate their emotions and behave more appropriately in the future.

There is a perception that this is a good opportunity to teach children about money. What are your thoughts on this? How should parents teach their children about money and spending when it comes to trendy toys in the future?

The perception that children’s persistent demands for trendy toys present a good opportunity to teach them about money is accurate. This is not just about shopping but also a real-life situation that helps children understand the value of money, wise spending, and responsible financial thinking. Firstly, children need to realize that money doesn’t appear out of thin air but is earned through their parents’ hard work.

When children understand that money is used to meet essential needs like food, clothing, and education, rather than just buying toys, they will learn to appreciate it more. Additionally, parents can teach children about wise spending by asking questions like: “Do you really need this toy? Does it have long-term value, or is it just a passing fad?” This encourages children to think before making purchasing decisions, rather than spending impulsively.

If a child genuinely wants a particular toy, instead of buying it immediately, parents can encourage them to save their allowance or do chores to earn the money. This teaches children that achieving their goals requires planning and patience. At the same time, parents can guide their children to distinguish between needs and wants, helping them realize that not everything they like is worth buying immediately.

Since trendy toys tend to be short-lived in popularity, parents can encourage long-term thinking by asking questions like: “Will you still like this toy after a month?” or reflecting on previously purchased toys to see if they are still being used. This helps children understand that not everything that’s popular is a wise investment.

Additionally, parents can suggest more reasonable alternatives, such as toys with long-term value or those that can help the child learn new skills. Lastly, setting clear spending rules is vital. For instance, parents can establish a monthly toy budget, teaching children financial management and discouraging impulsive spending.

Trendy toys will always appear in the future, so instead of just saying “no,” parents can turn these situations into opportunities to educate their children about finances, encouraging them to develop smart spending habits and appreciate the value of money from an early age.

What alternative activities can parents suggest to make their children feel happy and fulfilled instead of buying trendy toys?

Instead of buying trendy toys, parents can engage their children in alternative activities that bring joy and promote their development. One of the most effective approaches is to encourage children to participate in creative endeavors.

Rather than buying a new toy, children can make their own toys using readily available materials at home, such as paper, cardboard, or clay. This not only fosters their imagination but also instills a sense of pride in their creations. Additionally, reading and exploring the world are excellent ways for children to find happiness without following consumption trends.

An engaging book can broaden their knowledge, nurture their imagination, and cultivate a lifelong learning habit. Outdoor activities like camping, sports, gardening, or nature exploration are also wonderful alternatives. These experiences provide joy and contribute to the child’s holistic physical and mental development.

Participation in group activities is another sensible option, as it teaches children communication and collaboration skills and fosters friendships. Art or sports clubs, as well as social gatherings, will help children find happiness in connection rather than material possessions. Simultaneously, parents can spend quality time with their children through family activities like board games, puzzles, cooking together, or organizing a movie night at home.

This fosters bonding and makes children feel loved and valued. Moreover, long-term projects like pet care, gardening, crafts, or content creation can teach children patience and help them focus on the process rather than solely on the outcome. Teaching children about the value of giving is also essential.

Instead of focusing solely on acquisition, parents can guide their children towards volunteer work or charitable acts, helping them understand that happiness comes not just from owning things but also from sharing and contributing. In summary, not buying trendy toys doesn’t mean depriving children of joy.

Instead, parents can guide their children towards meaningful and enriching activities that bring lasting happiness and contribute to their overall development. These experiences not only bring joy but also impart valuable skills and values, fostering a more balanced and responsible lifestyle in the future.



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