Children and Gratefulness - kind of long

[disneyfanfamily]

My DD6 is similiar to that. (however she would get excited about WDW vacation). My DS got her a nightlight for Christmas and she threw a fit because she wanted something else. I sent her to her room and told her that if she keeps it up, I will take the nightlight back and she will have nothing....

Later she came down and apoligized and told DS thank you. I was so mad because my DS looked hard to find her that TinkerBell nightlight. I felt bad for HIM.

I think we all spoil our kids to a point. I keep saying I want to take my kids on a mission trip to a place where kids have nothing. (am not sure I could handle that). I want them to know that they have a good life - better than most in the world! Maybe not financially...but it is good!

I also think it depends on personality. My odest DS is thankful for about everything. Always has been.

And to the PP - things do not seem special to kids if they get it all time. I definitley agree!!!

 

[Barb D]

I haven't read all the responses but have to share my story anyway...

When DD15 and DD13 were 7 and 5 we planned a surprise December trip to WDW. We wanted them to know we were going somewhere so that they wouldn't get suspicious when they saw us packing, etc., so we told them we were going to "Christmas Village," which was "mostly for grown-up shopping, but with maybe a little train, and you can sit on Santa's lap."

When they day came to leave, I gave each of the kids an autograph book, and wrote "Get in the car! We're going to Disney World!" in DD's book. We have it on video: Her slowly sounding out the words, and comprehension coming across her face! Disney World! But all of a sudden DS7 started to WAAIIIL! "Disney World?!?? But I wanted to go to Christmas Village!!!!"

Turns out he had built it up in his imagination..."But it's where Santa Claus lives, and all the elves, too!"

Well, needless to say he got over it and had a good time at WDW.

You're doing fine as a mom. And a trip to China would be really cool. As would be a trip to where Santa Claus lives, and all the elves, too.

 

[DISNEYFOS]

Um, sorry to change gears for a minute, but this is a HUGE assumption that I've never found to be true in my real life circle of friends and acquaintenances. Lots of the couples I know who both work are easily able to set limits for their children, and they don't feel guilty at all. They feel proud of their ability to provide for their family's needs, in the way that best works for their family.

I don't like to see swipes like this taken at working families, any more than I'd like it if you had said, "Families who have a stay at home mom feel guilty because they can't give their kids new toys or go to Disney World every year." I just don't think who earns the family's living has much to do with how a 5 year old feels about going to China.

I'd like to second this. I, too, took offense at the comment. My husband and I are both professionals and I never once have bought a toy or planned a trip out of guilt..Thats just bizzarre. We set limits and teach the fine art of delayed gratification just like the next guy. We enjoy our vacations and love the fact we are able to provide our children with many different experiences.

Ok back to the topic at hand

 

[solgent]

It is really hard for us parents to keep our expectations in check. When we do something that is costly and we know is special and we know most children would enjoy, we do tend to want the kids to show the appreciation that we think we deserve!!

But their view is different. The Unofficial Guide says most kids top memory of their Disney vacation is the hotel pool. So first, let's make sure that if we want to please them, we give them what will really please them. For my kids, that means a resort with a great pool and lots of pool time! For other kids, it may mean character meals, but that doesn't really do anything for my kids, no matter how glamorous it seems to me and many others.

Second, too much excitement is not necessarily a good thing. It may make you feel good at the moment but it can lead to big disappointment if there is rain or someone's sick or the vacation in some way did not live up to the hype.