A child insisting on opening the red envelope is a very common situation during Tet, and in fact not at all “bad” as many people think. With a little deft handling, this can be a great opportunity for children to learn polite behavior and understand more about the value of the tradition of red envelopes.
MyKingdom would like to share a few handy tips to help parents handle this situation smoothly while preserving a joyful atmosphere.
Understanding why kids want to open the red envelopes
Before shaping them, we need to understand that for young children, the red envelope is like a secret gift. They don’t yet understand the value of money or social etiquette; they simply want to explore the first fortune of the new year.
When a child insists on opening the red envelope, that is a natural expression of excitement. Instead of scolding to frighten the child, parents should view this as a wonderful opportunity to teach gratitude and the culture of Tet.
Prepare a battle-ready mindset before Tet visits
MyKingdom xin chia sẻ vài bí kíp nhỏ để giúp ba mẹ xử lý tình huống này thật nhẹ nhàng mà vẫn giữ được không khí vui tươi.
- Pretend play: Parents pretend to be guests visiting the house, hand the child a red envelope and guide the child on how to receive it with both hands, say thank you and tuck it into a cute bag.
- Establish the rule "End-of-day Treasure": Whisper to your child that these envelopes are the first blessings of the year, and should be gathered so that at the end of the day the whole family can discover them together. This gives the child motivation to wait.
Smart, on-the-spot tricks to handle it gracefully
If you happen to be at a relative’s house and your child immediately demands to open the red envelope, you can apply the following tips:
- Quick distraction: As soon as you see your child about to unwrap the envelope, redirect their attention to the cakes and sweets on the table or a nearby toy.
- The secret bag: Prepare a small, cute crossbody bag for the child. When receiving a gift, gently remind them: "Put the 'lộc' into the bag so the bag can keep it safe for you; we'll show it to grandma and grandpa when we get home."
- Gentle reminder: Instead of saying "Not allowed to open," say "Let’s save this joy for the evening."
The issue of a child wanting to open the red envelope won’t be a big problem as long as parents stay calm and handle it with a cheerful attitude.
Teach children to value the meaning behind it more than the monetary value
Tết is an occasion to strengthen family bonds. Teach your child that each red envelope is a wish for peace and good health from the adults. When exploring the 'reward' together at the end of the day, don’t forget to mention the giver's name so the child remembers their affection.
If the situation of a child insisting on opening the red envelope continues, parents shouldn’t feel too pressured. That’s really the endearing naivety of Tet; we just need to patiently guide the child little by little. MyKingdom hopes these tips will help parents enjoy a relaxed Tet season filled with laughter beside their little angels.
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