Ask
Our Experts: Stingy Parents? Or Spoilt Kids?
Parenting expert and child psychologist Dr Pat Spungin, CEO of Raisingkids.co.uk,
offers some tips on treading the thin line between need and greed.
Raisingkids
member's problem
How do we ensure our kids' material needs are met without over-indulging
them? I'm concerned they get too much, too easily and don't value what
they have.
Dr Spungin's advice
The most important influence on your children is their family. If you're
clear about your own values, this will be communicated to your children.
Having said that, all parents know the peer group and the wider culture,
often express materialistic values that they do not agree with.
The most important thing is to talk to your children about these values
but don't preach or lecture. Listen to them and put forward your own view.
On a practical level ask yourself: Do you give them EVERYTHING they want?
Do they have to save or budget to get things? Do you expect them to work
for things they want? Do you pay for designer goods even though you don't
think they give value for money?
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