It may be a fair assessment to say that the world today is highly materialistic. From what our children see on TV, hear on the radio or even observe of their parents’ spending habits, they may come to a false idea of what is important in life. This becomes more of a problem when parents spoil their children and buy them whatever they want.
A parent may buy their child something to prevent a temper tantrum. What message is this sending? By doing this your children are learning that they can get anything they want by acting up, or even by just the threat of acting up. Buying your children something should be a reward for good behavior, not a preventative measure against bad behavior. Some parents even spend money they do not have; they feel that debt is a better alternative to unhappy children. When spending habits get this out of control it means trouble not only for the child but for the whole family.
Some parents buy their children things to build a friendship with them. They think that if they buy them things their children will like them and will behave for them. On the contrary, spoiling your children does just the opposite. They will come to expect anything they want from you, and when they do not get it they will act up. Buying your children material goods is only a way of compensating for what you feel are your own inadequacies as a parent. Spending time with your children and disciplining them is the only way to have happy, well behaved children.
When a child is not required to earn something, he sees no need for work or sacrifice. Everything in life has simply been handed over to him. This can result in major problems as the child gets older and tries to get a job. He will expect something for nothing and will not be working to his full potential. When you just hand your children whatever they want, they are not learning the value of a job well done.
Do not confuse what your child wants with what your child needs. Your child may need new clothes, but they do not need designer brands. Supplying your children’s needs rather than their wants teaches them not to be overly materialistic. If you always give over to their wants they are learning that only things of material value have any worth.
Giving an allowance is a great way for children to learn the value of a dollar, but it should only be given if all of their chores are done correctly. Don’t just give allowance for the sake of giving it—make your children earn it. They will learn the value of hard work and will appreciate the money they are given. It will teach them to think twice about what they are buying because they know how much work went into earning the money.
