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With Christmas only a few days away, Australian parenting author Maggie Dent warns parents not to overindulge in gifts for their children.
The creator of the Parental As Anything book and podcast explains that buying too many presents for your kids could lead to "an addiction to 'stuff'".
Also see: Tips to help your kids prepare their Christmas wish list
Children don't need the bells and whistles
According to Dent, what happens if parents buy too many Christmas presents for their children is that they tend to get bored easily.
"We now live in a very consumerist society and parents and kids are heavily marketed to," she explains.
According to the author, the pressure on parents to feel the need to buy toys that are advertised to help with children's development can limit the children's creativity.
"Children, particularly little ones, don't need a lot of bells and whistles and they certainly don't need a lot of stuff," says Dent.
"They are naturally curious and will probably learn more and get more enjoyment from the box a toy comes in than the toy itself."
The best gift parents can give...
She suggests that parents try not to "overdo" the present they buy their kids, adding that parents could use their money to create enjoyable experiences or give their kids one well-intentioned gift that may be of special interest to the child.
"So maybe get them involved in baking or making something special for neighbours or others in your community, especially people in need."
"Christmas can be exhausting and truly the best gift parents can give their children is time together," she says.
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