Reply #9: Yes -- I Think That's Fine

[K8-EEE]

I really don't like the idea of power tripping/manipulation with the Christmas presents.

I don't do much of it myself; I don't like the idea of Christmas gifts with strings attached and I don't think once a year presents make or break every day behavior, which has to be dealt with on an every day basis. For instance, if you lie about where you're going, you're grounded. That's every day stuff that shouldn't hinge on holiday gifts IMO.

I know the naughty/nice thing is drilled into us as very small children, but we prefer to exchange simple affordable gifts for Christmas and not really use them for reward or punishment. That's just not what Christmas is all about to me.

I do reward good report cards with cash. $50 for each A, $20 for a B; but I look at that as a "bonus" for doing good work much like you would get at work.

However, if she's been acting up the parents shouldn't go out of their way to get something they can't afford. I think that's fair.