6 Ways to 'Deprogram' a Materialistic Kid
Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2017 6:33 am
US News and World Report - 2/24/2017 - Michele Borda
If you’re like most parents, you may be concerned that children today are far more materialistic – and driven to consume beginning at a younger age – than previous generations.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, two-thirds of moms say that their kids ask for specific brands before the age of 3. International research highlighting parental concerns about kids’ materialism shows this problem isn’t distinctly American either.
So how are your kids faring? If you’re at all concerned that they’re unduly reflecting the material world they’re living in, it may be time for a parenting intervention. The good news is that there are ways to "deprogram" a materialistic kid. Doing so can result in your child being happier, more content and more appreciative of those nonmaterial everyday wonders of life. So here are six secrets – adapted from my book “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World” – to help kids overcome runaway materialism:
Just say no. Always giving in to your kid's materialistic desires doesn't do her any favors. Say no to unending whims and consumer demands, and do so without feeling guilty. Just explain why it’s important not to be overly focused on stuff, and don’t give in when she persists. Expect resistance, and even tantrums, and remember that consistency is crucial for success.
Read more @ http://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-p ... listic-kid
If you’re like most parents, you may be concerned that children today are far more materialistic – and driven to consume beginning at a younger age – than previous generations.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, two-thirds of moms say that their kids ask for specific brands before the age of 3. International research highlighting parental concerns about kids’ materialism shows this problem isn’t distinctly American either.
So how are your kids faring? If you’re at all concerned that they’re unduly reflecting the material world they’re living in, it may be time for a parenting intervention. The good news is that there are ways to "deprogram" a materialistic kid. Doing so can result in your child being happier, more content and more appreciative of those nonmaterial everyday wonders of life. So here are six secrets – adapted from my book “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World” – to help kids overcome runaway materialism:
Just say no. Always giving in to your kid's materialistic desires doesn't do her any favors. Say no to unending whims and consumer demands, and do so without feeling guilty. Just explain why it’s important not to be overly focused on stuff, and don’t give in when she persists. Expect resistance, and even tantrums, and remember that consistency is crucial for success.
Read more @ http://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-p ... listic-kid