Experts Weigh In On The Best Ways To Manage Expectations This Holiday Season

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- The holiday season is near, and for a lot of kids that means lots of presents, which can sometimes get out of hand.

CBS2's Cindy Hsu spoke with parents about how to manage expectations.

"Princesses, and dresses, and crowns," Juliane Mingione said, when asked about her holiday wish list.

For some kids the list never ends, but parenting expert Tammy Gold says lists should be limited to 3 gifts, and parents should ask their kids why they want each gift.

"What will you use that gift for. Why do you want it so much?" Gold explained.

Coming up with a realistic list will help your children manage their expectations.

It also helps to teach your kids the value of money, and tell them if what's on their list is too expensive.

Experts said that children should also learn to experience the joy of giving to others. For Braydin Gold, it's been part of their holiday tradition for years.

"Last year we played with these homeless children, so they all got to sleep at the temple and we played with the little kids, and this year we did bridges where you make sandwiches and you pack them a little bag," Braydin said.

Parents should also try to take the focus off the gifts and emphasize the true meaning of the holidays.

"You should always be grateful and thank people for your gifts and it doesn't really matter about the gifts, it's just about spending time with your family," Braydin added.

Focusing on coming-up with things to make for others is another way that some families spend the holidays.

"My mom always says that the best gifts are from the heart so me and my sister can go on youtube and handcraft some," Andie Bell, 8-years-old, said.

It's also important for parents to not go overboard. Kids told CBS2's Hsu that can lead to a spoiled child.

"You have to tell them when enough is enough and you can't always given them. I know it feels good, but sometimes it can spoil the kid and think that she's always going to have that," Bell said.

Parents were also reminded to teach their kids to receive gifts graciously, which means smiling and saying thank you when they open a present, and avoiding negative comments, no matter how they feel about the gift.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories