Growing up, and it wasn’t THAT many years ago contrary to what my kids might tell you, I can remember going without things. Yes, we had the necessities and our parents would try to buy us those name brand products that the other kids were wearing, but we didn’t expect everything to be handed to us.
Today I understand why my parents wanted me to know the value of a dollar and how working for what you WANT (not need) was so much more worth it in the end. As a child of course I was upset when I saw others getting things handed to them just for the heck of it, but when I received something new I had that feeling of accomplishment and pride in what I had. I believe I took better care of my things as well since they weren’t just handed to me and I had to work for them.
I think times are different today.
I think many children expect things to be handed to them and are not expected by parents or anyone else to pay for (or work for) these WANTS. Do you agree?
I know my children are always asking for things. They can’t believe I won’t purchase these unnecessary items when they ask because ALL of their friends have them. I will become the mean Mom if I have to, but I really want my children to learn the value of a dollar and how working for things can really make you feel accomplished and proud. I don’t want them to expect everything to be handed to them in life because, let’s face it, life doesn’t work that way.
Do I buy my children treats? Yes, I am a Mom and I do like to reward my children for good behavior, and they know this. I want my children to know that good behavior does not go unseen, however I am not going to buy them an XBOX360 for cleaning their room one time. I would have to take a loan out if I rewarded them for every little thing they did.
Because I think times are different than they were when I was a kid I want to know your thoughts.
Do you often see other parents handing their kids everything they ask for? Do you think this is fair to the child? Are they doing their child good or harm? Please be completely honest. I have told you my thoughts and now we want to hear yours. (But please, be nice to one another. We like friendly debates, but want to keep things nice.)
Have a wonderful weekend!
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