5 things you need to know about 'pester power' this Christmas

Christmas can be a challenging time for families financially. If you're a parent, there can be pressure to buy the best presents for your kids. This pressure can come from adverts on TV, from your children's peers, or your friends and family members … but it's hardest to resist when it comes from your children!

Here are 5 things you need to know about pester power this Christmas:

1. You're not alone
   Many parents feel the pressure to spend more on their children than they can afford, so if that's you, be assured that you're not on your own. In the run up to Christmas the adverts on TV get louder and more persistent, and so, it seems, can our children! But it is possible to delight the kids and stay in control of your budget.
2. You can club together with other family members
   If your child has set their heart on one big present and you simply can't afford to buy it, you could ask for help from other relatives. Many parents share the load with their extended family and pool their gift money to make things easier.
3. You can put pestering into perspective
   Christmas is a good opportunity to teach your children important values. By encouraging your children to get involved in a good cause, such as donating toys to a 'shoebox' appeal like Operation Christmas Child - for children who wouldn't otherwise receive a Christmas present - you can help them put their own 'wish list' into perspective. It's one way your children can learn that Christmas is about so much more than just receiving presents.
4. You can be honest
   You don't have to pretend to your children that you have all the money in the world. If you give them an idea of your limit, their expectations might be more realistic. Teaching children that spending money on one thing means it can't be spent on another thing will help them understand how money works.
5. You can have fun for free
   Many parents find that developing a family tradition can be fun and inexpensive. You could play a certain game, go for a walk, make something together or take it in turns to think up a surprise for the whole family. A free activity that everyone looks forward to can become a favourite part of your family Christmas, and one that doesn't add to the financial strain.