And that has nothing to do with having an overflowing toy box. Research on altruism and empathy shows that parents can help promote a child's inclination to help others. One study showed that school-age children, who were involved in projects such as making toys for hospitalized children, continued to exhibit feelings of empathy toward people in other areas of life. The trick, Christophersen says, is helping children experience positive consequences in specific ways. That's a lot more effective than sitting home in suburbia lecturing about homelessness.
Parents can encourage a shift in focus by explaining the reasons for rules.
So go ahead and keep wrapping those presents and don't worry. It's your actions, not your gifts, that mean the most to your kids.