It Doesn't Grow On Trees! 4-9 Yr-Olds &
Money
How do you play it when your 8 yr-old wants everything, and more? Her
friends have all the coolest toys and clothes, and all the 'right' - in
other words, most expensive - brands. She wants them too.
You
want to give her the best but how much is too much? Where and how do you
draw the line?
Understand
her 'wants'
Children don't want to be different from
their friends. Brand names and labels are often a sign of belonging to
a group. Older primary school pupils may be picked on or bullied if they
don't have the right 'gear'. This can be difficult for you as a parent
if you don't have much money, or if you object to the acquisitive culture
of the playground on principle.
Talk
about it
Primary school age children are often
very conscious of ethical issues like the environment. Use that strong
moral sense to convince her of your viewpoint. She's old enough to understand
that resources are given to unimportant things (gas-guzzling cars) often
at the expense of more important things (the rain forests).
Need... or
greed?
Start a discussion about what we 'need'
versus what we 'want'. Anti-materialism often strikes a chord with youngsters
of this age. Why are the latest toys or labels so important? What makes
them seem cool? How do children from less fortunate families feel without
them? Talk about peer pressure. Ask her if she thinks expensive toys and
clothes make their owners better people. Remind her it's who you are that
counts, not what you wear.
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