Thinking of others is not something that comes natural to us. We tend to be pretty self-focused. This is proven true by examining little ones. They have to learn empathy. They have to learn to relate to others with kindness and self-lessness. And they have to be taught to be caring.
I can think of almost no other place where this self-focus can be seen in kids than when it comes time to give a gift.
You know the drill:
You walk into Target and you lay out the game plan for your shopping trip: purchase a gift for Johnnny’s birthday.
Immediately upon entering the toy aisle, your little one starts shopping. But not for Johnny.
Suddenly she finds toys she NEEDS! RIGHT NOW!
She forgets the purpose of the shopping trip. So she needs a little refocus.
Once you get her all refocused on the purpose of the trip to Target, she starts to have her own ideas for what Johnny might want. And what Johnny might want looks eerily like what she might want. I assure you, sweet girl, that Johnny does not want a pretty princess dress for his birthday.