How do you teach children not to be greedy in a "gimme, gimme" world?
By Stringbean
@Stringbean (1273)
United States
February 10, 2007 12:50pm CST
It seems to me that more and more children have a very greedy nature these days. Is it due to already having so much that they think they should have everything they ask for or is it just something that all children experience as they grow up? It is often more prevailent among children who have a lot already than it is among poorer children who seem to appreciate the little things they do have.
I hate to think that this unlikeable trait will extend into the child's adulthood and become an incurable part of his character.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@crispystuff (404)
• United States
17 Feb 07
READ the book "Living Simply with Children" by Marie Sherlock. It's fantastic and a very easy read with great techniques that really work well with children. It's a way of life and it's so inspiring. I think the author is from your town, in fact.
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
18 Feb 07
I am not familar with Marie Sherlock, but will surely check her out. Thanks for commenting.
@Lostinoz (145)
• United States
17 Feb 07
I have thought a lot about this very question. I sometimes wonder if parents "give in" to these demands because of the hectic, busy lifestyles we lead today. More of a it will keep them busy while I do something else, sort of attitude. Instead of taking the time to say "no" to the gimmes some parents will give in so as not to have to deal with any additional stress. (?) I really don't know the answer as to why this is done, but I have seen it happen as well.
With my own children, especially at Christmas, I would have them make out a list, which was usually 3 pages long : ), and then have them pick out ONE item that they really wanted within a certain price range and would try to make sure they received that for Christmas. The older they got the more expensive their items became, so they had to save their own money and purchase these items.
I have seen that this not only applies to material possessions, but to accountability as well. Some people do not know limitations/restrictions because they were never given any as a child. This is a form of greed, I believe, too. Instead of working for what they want, they will steal it.
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
18 Feb 07
I like the idea of having kids make a list. It lets them still retain some control over the situation.
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
10 Feb 07
I wish a simple NO would work. Sometimes I see mothers with kids at the store and the kids throw a fit because she tells them NO. You may be right though that the kid is already used to getting stuff all the time before they even come to the store so he doesn't really know what NO means. Thanks for your comment.
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
13 Feb 07
I agree that this is an increasing problem with our youth. I think they want everything instantly and many parents want their children to have a better life than they themselves have. The parents are too quick to give the child anything they want. We did not have much money when our children were growning up and they are not as greedy as most. We always saw that they did volunteer work within the communtity also.
@Stringbean (1273)
• United States
13 Feb 07
I really think that living on a limited income at some point in life helps rather than hinders most people. It teaches them that life goes on whether you get everything you want or not.
Sometimes I want to tell parents not to give in to their kids when I see kids getting aways with tantrums at the mall and places like that, but I suspect I would just be told to mind my own business.
