Thoughts : When Money Can Do More Bad Than Good To The Kids?
I think no one would intentionally wish to have no money.
We live in this world, and we need money to pay for stuff.
But does it mean that we should then wish to have ‘loads of money’, because money will give our family a sense of contentment and happiness?
To put it slightly differently, does it mean that having not much money generally means families will be less happy and content?
Something for us to think about together perhaps?
…
Anyway, I shared this food for thought below on my Facebook Page and I thought of sharing it with you too today :
Money has this incredible capacity to ‘cripple’ our children, especially when :
… they have things done for them instead of them learning to do things themselves (room’s cleaned, mess and toys tidied up, etc)
… they need not wait for something that they love to have (they are easily bought for them anyway)
The potential danger is somewhat bigger when we have loads of money. The ‘negative effect’ is especially bigger to the little ones, because they are the recipients of all the material comfort and convenience we tend to provide and shower them with.
… they are always receiving things, and not knowing / learning what it means to give and share, and to ‘NOT have things that they want to have’ (as the result, they complain easily and are less compassionate towards others who are less fortunate?)
… they never / hardly experience the ‘lack’ of having things in abundance (as it does not prepare them for situations when they learn to be thankful and grateful though situations may be tough)
… they are surrounded by toys, gadgets and other possessions, but not by caretakers / parents who spend time with them, teaching them valuable lessons on life consistently day by day
…
If you ask me, I don’t think money itself is bad.
But, the reality is, the potential danger is somewhat bigger when we have loads of money.
The ‘negative effect’ is especially bigger to the little ones, because they are the recipients of all the material comfort and convenience we tend to provide and shower them with.
Question is, regardless of whether we have loads of money or not much of it today, … are we unconsciously crippling our children?
We the parents play the bigger role here, don’t we?
Food for thought for me and for us all, I hope.
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Agree with u 200%. I think it’s the exposure the kids get these days. And in Singapore you know very well children are pampered and spoilt for choice. I dread to see so many indoor play grounds in SG where u pay for 1hr 25-30$ . I was wondering why we need to pay money to just PLAY? Children forget to play out doors these days. I won’t say I never took my dd to those indoor play grounds I did but I stopped after realising am doing a mistake and how my daughter is getting addicted to it and fails to appreciate play grounds out side / below our blocks! Beyond all that they don’t seem to show any value for money , it’s like mommy always have money and she will pay.. Of course we want the best for our kids but we have to prioritise . One day I asked her do u know how we get money? She replied yes from ATM machine! Then I had to explain how dad works hard for our family and how we get money.. I my opinion yes we need lots of money these days as cost of living has gone up. But at the same time we must live within our means and Manage our expectations.-and I think better not to let the kids know that we are very wealthy and can afford anything. Laying low is good too at times.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! True, children these days sometimes forget to play outdoors , or just … play, without involving any money. But then again, I guess that’s where our role as their parents become so important … to instill such values to them since young …