IMPORTANT:

Money isn't most important!

For children, money is an abstract concept. Therefore, whatever you instill in them over the years as a way of perceiving money, that will be their attitude. Don't appreciate money too much. A balanced 'Yes, they're important, but not the most important! approach can save you a lot of headaches.

IMPORTANT:

Refusing the child to buy something, mustn't bring shame/guilt!

Do not be afraid to say 'We don't have money for this!'. This shouldn't bring you shame or guilt in the eyes of your children. It teaches them to value what they already have. It teaches them to choose wisely among various opportunities, to wait, to deserve what they want and to cherish it when they finally get it.

Over-consumption truly may be the feeling of emptiness. In order to fill it up, we buy things. The satisfaction of the emotional needs of the child, listening to him, respect, are way more important. That is why, if the child is excessively focused on the topic of money, if he insist on receiving different objects (expensive or cheap), we can ask ourselves what really is the thing this child wants, and can we buy it with money?

'Others have that!'. If nothing else has helped in the child's struggle for the desired acquisition, this argument disarms almost all parents. However, there are 3 important highlights here. First, what does 'everyone' mean? If one, two, three families said 'Stop! to this race, would the argument be valid? So, not all of them are.

Secondly - why is it so important for your child to have this expensive commodity? To be liked by others? And is that what you want them to like you for; what about your personality, what about your qualities? If such children choose you because of the sneakers or the phone... is it important to choose them in your circle of friends?

Third, standing up for your parenting choices is extremely beneficial in the long run. Yes, at the moment it can be very difficult for the child to understand why you are refusing him. He can cry, lash out, get angry. The process is the same as the two-year-old lying in the middle of the store because he wants chocolate, for example. Does this mean to please at all costs? No, right? If you consider a desire unreasonable, excessive and unnecessary...arm yourself with patience to withstand the pressure and in time you will reap the fruits. If you give in - it will be until next time.