A bad economy may be good for kids.

A final though for last-minute Christmas shoppers: According to Northwestern University psychologist Aaron Cooper, an expert on child and family relations, a bad economy may be good for kids. Cooper says he believes spoiling children can cripple their ability to cope with life. So if you're feeling guilty that you can't get your kids everything they want for the holiday, Cooper suggests that parents acknowledge honestly the family's reduced resources, and encourage their children to share their gifts with each other.