How this common Christmas tree mistake, while it may seem harmless, could damage your child's self-esteem

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Becky Spelman, a leading child psychologist in the UK, is warning parents against changing their children's messy Christmas tree, as new research reveals three in ten admit doing it.

Published: 18:27 GMT, 15 November 2026 | Updated: 18:31 GMT, 15 November 2026

One mistake that parents commonly make around the festive season could be damaging their child's self-esteem, according to a leading child psychologist.

It may seem innocent - and many are guilty of it - to move a wonky bauble or replace a lopsided angel once the kids have gone to bed.

But experts are warning that secretly 'fixing' your child's Christmas decorations - which might have been put up wonkily or in the wrong place - can harm their ego.

Becky Spelman, a leading child psychologist in the UK, is warning parents against changing their children's messy Christmas tree, as new research reveals three in ten admit doing it.

Dr Spelman said that repeatedly correcting children's art or creations could leave them feeling their efforts simply aren't good enough.

With millions of families preparing to decorate their Christmas trees soon, she is urging parents to embrace the imperfections rather than chase Instagram perfection.

Dr Spelman, Clinical Director at The Private Therapy Clinic, said: 'For children, decorating the Christmas tree is about imagination, self-expression and feeling they've contributed to something special. Perfection doesn't really come into it.

'When a child proudly hangs a homemade decoration, they're sharing a little piece of themselves. Seeing it stay on the tree shows them their effort has been noticed and that they have a place in the family's traditions.

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