Kid Says I Always Wanted This Every Time He Opened A Gift

Cynthia May

2 min read

·

24-01-2025

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Let's face it, the holidays and birthdays can be a minefield of emotional pressure for parents. We pour over catalogs, scour online shops, and wrack our brains trying to find the perfect gift for our children. Then, the big moment arrives, and the reaction…isn't always what we hoped for. But what happens when your child, seemingly genuinely thrilled, exclaims "I always wanted this!" with every single present? Is it genuine joy, or something else entirely?

Decoding the "I Always Wanted This" Phenomenon

While it's tempting to bask in the glow of seemingly perfect gift-giving, a more critical eye might reveal a different narrative. Children, especially younger ones, are still developing their social and emotional intelligence. Saying "I always wanted this!" might stem from several factors:

• Pleasing Parents: Children want to make their parents happy. Expressing overwhelming enthusiasm, even if it's not entirely authentic, is a way to show appreciation and avoid disappointing their loved ones. It's a learned behavior, often reinforced by positive reactions from adults.

• Lack of Vocabulary/Emotional Expression: Young children might not have the vocabulary to articulate nuanced feelings about a gift. "I always wanted this!" might be the easiest, most readily available expression of positive emotion, regardless of the actual level of excitement.

• Social Cues: Children often mirror the behavior of others. If they see siblings or friends expressing extravagant joy at gift-opening, they may emulate this behavior, even if they don't feel the same level of enthusiasm.

• The Novelty Factor: The excitement of unwrapping a gift, the anticipation, and the novelty of a new possession can contribute to an enthusiastic response, even if the child hadn't previously expressed a strong desire for that specific item.

Beyond the Words: Observing Your Child's Behavior

While the verbal response might be somewhat standardized, observing your child's behavior after opening the gifts offers a more accurate picture of their genuine appreciation. Do they engage with the gifts? Do they play with them, use them, or show an interest in them over time? These actions speak louder than words.

The Takeaway: Focus on the Relationship, Not Just the Reaction

Ultimately, the goal of gift-giving isn't just about eliciting a specific verbal response. It's about fostering connection, creating memories, and strengthening the parent-child bond. If your child says "I always wanted this!" with every gift, consider the context, observe their behavior, and focus on the joy of sharing those moments together. The genuine connection is far more valuable than the perfectly scripted reaction.