What about…..
What is the best answer to give to your child who wants something you cannot afford or truly believe isn’t good for him or her? What if your child wants a toy or a techie item that is beyond what you can or want to give to your son or daughter?
Children need reality
It’s okay to want the newest fad thing or coolest toy. But reality is: fads fade and the pocket book has limitations… And “having everything you want” isn’t good for anyone. We live in a society of ads and indulgence, but reality is important to learn. We may need to be gentle so they feel loved and secure, but it is important to teach our children they don’t need to have everything.
The reasons sometimes children want certain things is because they’re flashy or colourful or popular. Sometimes though, it’s to address a deeper need to fit in. If this is the reason, it’s important to address that through dialogue and reassurance: that popularity because of character — trustworthiness or kindness, rather than having the gadgets — is what’s more important.
Children need character
The truth is we grow from adversity far more than from blessing. Sad but true.
So, teaching our children how to cope with “no” from us, is better than giving in to everything they want.
However, “no” all the time is defeating and burdensome. If we can’t afford satisfying their material desires, we can lavish them with attention, by valuing and listening to them. We can lavish them with tender hugs, their favourite meals, and our love and care.
And occasionally, giving in to a request — that is affordable and sensible — is a-okay too. That’s what I think.
Children need to learn to comply
If we deny our children everything they want, they get defeatist. If we give our children everything they want, they get spoiled. Balance is important.
That’s what I think. What do you think?