When we go through certain deprivations in our childhood, it is common to want children not to suffer in the same way. And so, sometimes we make the mistake of giving them too many gifts, so they don’t miss anything. However, it is necessary to help them understand the transience of material value and the importance of thinking about what we have before what we want.
? If you’re not happy with what you want,
it’s not what you’re missing either?
Sometimes you go to a store, buy a nice toy and carry it with all your illusion, and the kids don’t care about the gift (parents can be happier to see their faces with surprise than the kids with the toy itself).
They are still delighted with what they were doing, certainly with their mobile phone, tablet or computer, which can be frustrating at first. It can even cause sadness to invade you, because you had to work hard to be able to buy this toy that you didn’t know how to enjoy.
Of course, they have a room full of things to play with (even if they only use part of it), so it’s very difficult for them to pay attention to something new or show gratitude for the gesture. to teach them to recognize sacrifices.
That doesn’t mean they have to work as children, but we have to show them that in life, nothing falls from the sky except rain?And that to get what they want, they’ll have to work hard. it may seem a little noisy for a school-age child, however, it will be a great favor for them if they can internalize this concept.
Many times we do not realize that our children receive everything without paying attention to its origin, how difficult it is to make money to buy the gift, how you get the money, etc.
Even if we are in a good economic situation, we should not get used to having everything they want. You never know what can happen and we can’t be sure that our economic situation is so good in the future. Now, how do you make them understand right now when you can’t (even if you want) buy a new toy, video game, or latest cell phone model?
In order for the little ones to understand the price of things (not in terms of money, but in terms of effort or prioritizing for example) and not to become a daily control machine, it is good that:
? Have a responsibility at home. From the age of three, the child can already participate in some of the household chores and take on some kind of responsibility, however small, at first you don’t let him organize the crystals or clean the windows, but bring the Clean clothes to your room and store the toys, for example.
Gradually, you can assign them new tasks, adapted to the skills they have already developed, but eye, the best thing to reinforce this type of behavior is not material reward, but discourse and social recognition, so that they are proud.
? Don’t buy everything you ask for. Ads in children’s TV spaces are designed to inspire children’s desire. In fact, they present toys as fantastic fun devices. That’s what happens.
? Take your time to “process the order” and confirm that it’s something they really want and that it’s not an impulsive desire for a toy they’ve seen on TV or that you have a classmate. Don’t try to show your affection by buying Do it as every parent should, with time and attention.
? Set a budget. When kids are a little older and have the ability to know prices and money, they can talk about the costs of certain things they ask for, let them help you manage your money, and if you have the opportunity (and they deserve it), you can give them a subsidy to get used to managing their own limited resources.
Finally, don’t make the mistake of saying “my children don’t lack anything” because money or gifts aren’t the ones who buy happiness or love. Remember, where there’s too much, something’s missing. What’s left can’t replace what’s missing ?.