So the kids might be in shock from having a week go by when it is neither their birthday nor Christmas, as this is one of Mari's new favorite things to say... I wish I could say I was just proud that she keeps putting new words together (that make sense). It is cute to hear, until she keeps repeating it and you start to wonder...
Do you ever struggle with knowing how much is enough and when it is too much when it comes to your kids? Not love or attention (obviously), but things, stuff...
I tend to just go with my gut and usually that means a bit less is more, but I know this will just become more challenging the older they get. I grew up in a middle class family (as did DH), but we are better off (and have a smaller family) than our parents, and I do worry sometimes about the dreaded "affluenza". I do think it is possible to teach your kids good values while not depriving them materially, but it is a delicate balance. No one wants to be responsible for raising spoiled brats.
I know there are many who have more and less than we do as far as material tangible things for the kids, but I think as a conscious parent you can only wonder is it all too much or maybe just enough. Much of what they have in the way of toys have actually been gifts from generous family, friends, colleagues (including what ended up being a haul from their first birthday party, yet another reason we don't need to do that every year). I make an effort to not buy them things they don't really "need" and instead save more for their futures. This makes me feel better. It takes effort in our materialistic world to focus on what's most important (for us that's an emphasis on top notch health, education, experiences, etc.) and try to dial down some of the rest.
We are both looking forward to when they are a bit older and we can volunteer more as a family and teach them the value of giving back and about how so many people are less fortunate. And that they have a responsibility to not only help others but to be humble in their good luck of being born into our family (as we are lucky to have them). Hopefully, that will help... The wild thing about parenting is you don't really know for sure if you've done well, until it is too late...
Teach Kids to be Grateful, Give them Less -from The Atlantic (1/6/14)
Am I capable of raising a Veruca Salt?
Do you ever struggle with knowing how much is enough and when it is too much when it comes to your kids? Not love or attention (obviously), but things, stuff...
I tend to just go with my gut and usually that means a bit less is more, but I know this will just become more challenging the older they get. I grew up in a middle class family (as did DH), but we are better off (and have a smaller family) than our parents, and I do worry sometimes about the dreaded "affluenza". I do think it is possible to teach your kids good values while not depriving them materially, but it is a delicate balance. No one wants to be responsible for raising spoiled brats.
I know there are many who have more and less than we do as far as material tangible things for the kids, but I think as a conscious parent you can only wonder is it all too much or maybe just enough. Much of what they have in the way of toys have actually been gifts from generous family, friends, colleagues (including what ended up being a haul from their first birthday party, yet another reason we don't need to do that every year). I make an effort to not buy them things they don't really "need" and instead save more for their futures. This makes me feel better. It takes effort in our materialistic world to focus on what's most important (for us that's an emphasis on top notch health, education, experiences, etc.) and try to dial down some of the rest.
We are both looking forward to when they are a bit older and we can volunteer more as a family and teach them the value of giving back and about how so many people are less fortunate. And that they have a responsibility to not only help others but to be humble in their good luck of being born into our family (as we are lucky to have them). Hopefully, that will help... The wild thing about parenting is you don't really know for sure if you've done well, until it is too late...
Teach Kids to be Grateful, Give them Less -from The Atlantic (1/6/14)
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