Most people in my generation can say that they have achieved more than their own parents. Some of us have better paying jobs and more education based on the hard work and sacrifices of our parents and relatives. It stands to reason that we in turn are in a financial place to provide more for our kids than what we had growing up. Speaking for my own kids, they have cell phones, iPods, Nintendo Wii, a family desktop computer, etc. And it goes beyond material things. We chose where we live in order to be in a good school district. They don’t really know what it is to do without something that need. They have never been hungry. That’s a good thing. Every child should have access to medical care and good schools. Every child should have their needs provided for and get to have some of the things they want. But what is too much? If you give your kids everything, how will they learn to appreciate what they have?
My husband and I try to make sure that our girls know that they are fortunate. We try to instill in them a work ethic and to understand that nothing in life is just handed to you. We try to make them understand that you have to work for things that you want. I hope the lesson is getting through. I enjoy being able to spoil my kids. I just don’t want them to turn out rotten.
What I’m listening to: “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” – Teddy Pendergrass
What I’m reading now: “The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey” – Walter Mosley