ParentingHub

Why is it that supermarkets always have the sweets and magazines right at the till? Why is it that our kids know about the latest gadgets and gizmo’s but refuse to do their homework or help around the house... According to Betsy Taylor, the Author of ‘What kids really want that money can’t buy.’ The average child under the age of 3 is exposed to more than 700 adverts per week and can identify with a product logo easily. Eg. Mac Donalds golden arches and 53% of children buy certain products to feel better about themselves.

Did you know that your child will nag at least 9 times to get what they want and the scary fact is that 50% of parents eventually give in! Consumerism is impacting on all aspects of our lives, our society, our environment, even our personal relationships but there are many things we can do to reverse this trend and promote a more socially responsible lifestyle with our children.

The Center for a New American Dream (CNAD), an American nonprofit organisation, held a competition asking young people between the ages of five and seventeen to respond to the question, “What do you want that money can't buy?” After receiving almost 2000 responses, the following interesting insights were gained.

So as a parent, here is what your child might actually want that money can’t buy...

• You and Your attention
• Family and Community
• Free Time
• Friends
• Nature
• Art
• Spiritual connection
• Acceptance/Respect
• Health
• Safety
• More Fun, Less Stuff
• Holidays and Celebrations

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start creating happy memories for your children by creating small daily experiences that don’t cost a cent! These experiences will be what your children speak about in years to come when they themselves become parents. They may not remember the present they got for Christmas at the age of 10, but they certainly will remember the fun you had decorating the Christmas tree together! Be creative and use the tips above to reinforce your child’s worth to themselves. This is the one thing that money can't buy and that only you can give.