It all begins with this saying: I want my kids to have a better life than I did. Granted, most of us did not live hard lives and were pretty well off compared to our parents and grandparents. However, we oblige ourselves to give our kids the best of everything. The best toys, the best clothes, the best games, the best schools. And what do we oblige our kids to give us in return?
It sounds selfish, but we must look at the fact that one day we are going to be older. Most likely we will not be able to take care of ourselves. Our spouses may die before us, our vice versa. Most of all, we will not have the same income as we did in our younger days. Sadly, we become children again, and most likely, if we have done our jobs as parents right, our children will become our parents, as they will have to make decisions for us.
Now, we have to gear our kids up for that sort of responsibility. No we cannot raise them with the mantra that one day they will take care of us, but we ought to give them a greater sense of the world: that it does not revolve around them. As parents, it is our duty to raise our kids to become productive members of society. When we shower them with gifts "just because" it gives them a false sense of entitlement. What happens when they grow up? Do they get money "just because"? Get a house "just because"?
We need to teach our kids to be givers. Showing kindness to others has its rewards. Also it is useful to have them learn the value of working and saving to get what they want. I mentioned to my friends today that I had to wait three years after moving into my home to get my dream kitchen, yet my girls only had to be born to get theirs. LOL! So the dilemma continues.
