April 2013-Parent Tip on Materialism
In our current society, consumerism sometimes takes over-it is in television, on the computer screen and basically everywhere we go. Marketers target teens especially since they have more disposable income than any other age group. In fact, there are "cool hunters" who get paid to find out what is trending and cool and then target commercials to teens to buy their products.
As a parent it is difficult to say no sometimes. However, here are a couple tips to guard against raising a child who is materialistic:
1. Try not to gift to your kids unless it is a birthday, Christmas or other special occasion. Encouraging them to wait will teach the skill of delayed gratification. (Think back to the Marshmallow experiment.)
2. Try and set up a system of them earning their money through work. When they work hard to earn money, they might be less likely to spend it freely. I am not a fan of allowances for just existing. Teaching children the importance of that work-income connection is valuable.
3. Spend time outside in nature whenever possible. Given the amount of advertisements in the media, this will cut down on your child's exposure to consumerism.
4. Teach gratitude and giving. Help children appreciate what they do have and support their efforts to give their time or money through volunteering or giving to a charity.
5. Be aware of what you are role-modeling. If labels are important to you, this will be the example for your children.
Hopefully, these tips will help in curtailing consumerism and materialism in your children. :)
Thanks!
Jennifer Moyer-Taylor
School Counselor
As a parent it is difficult to say no sometimes. However, here are a couple tips to guard against raising a child who is materialistic:
1. Try not to gift to your kids unless it is a birthday, Christmas or other special occasion. Encouraging them to wait will teach the skill of delayed gratification. (Think back to the Marshmallow experiment.)
2. Try and set up a system of them earning their money through work. When they work hard to earn money, they might be less likely to spend it freely. I am not a fan of allowances for just existing. Teaching children the importance of that work-income connection is valuable.
3. Spend time outside in nature whenever possible. Given the amount of advertisements in the media, this will cut down on your child's exposure to consumerism.
4. Teach gratitude and giving. Help children appreciate what they do have and support their efforts to give their time or money through volunteering or giving to a charity.
5. Be aware of what you are role-modeling. If labels are important to you, this will be the example for your children.
Hopefully, these tips will help in curtailing consumerism and materialism in your children. :)
Thanks!
Jennifer Moyer-Taylor
School Counselor