Do your kids have everything?

[pw2pp]

Originally posted by Feralpeg
I think you may be jumping to a conclusion that isn't necessarily correct. Even though DD has a lot of things, she works very hard. She has a 4.0 grade point average. She participates in many activities (choir, theatre, community service) that I feel will make her a better person and will help her get into a good college. On top of that, she is persuing an acting career. I'd say that is working pretty hard for a 16 year old. She also helps me around the house. She never gets into any trouble and is very well adjusted. She never gets into any trouble and is very well adjusted. Not wishing to start a debate here, but I've seen kids whose parents are very conservative and attentive get into trouble. We should be carefull making generalizations about how others raise their children

Feralpeg: That's wonderful - You must be so proud of your daughter.
Sorry that I made you feel that you needed to defend your daughter, but I was simply speaking in GENERAL terms (never said "always" or "all").

 

[sk!mom]

Originally posted by zagafi
Let's see--my kids have a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, books to read, toys to play with, travel to Disney annually, a furry friend and two parents who absolutely adore them and would die for them. Yep, they've got everything.

I couldn't agree more!

 

[Feralpeg]

pw2pp, no offense taken.

 

[susy]

If your child is healthy, then they have everything!

 

[NMAmy]

DD (13) and I went through a period of time when we were dirt poor (about 3 years when I was separated and divorced.) She was so good about getting by with pretty much the bare necessities that I tend to give her a lot more now. When I explained to her that our finances were much less, she just wouldn't ask me for anything--she was so understanding and never made me feel bad that our circumstances were so reduced. (I mean, food was a luxury at times)

She has a TV in her room--it's our old one from the living room--with cable--and a playstation 2. It doesn't take time away from our family--she watches it when she has friends over and in the mornings. In the evenings, she usually hangs out with DH and I if we're watching tv. She has a laptop with wireless access that she got as a birthday/Christmas gift from DH last year. DH is a computer guy so his computers are always in use for work projects and off limits to DD and I have a laptop from work that I bring home if I need a computer so it was necessary for her to have something to do schoolwork on. The wireless access is really just because DH is a geek who likes the latest stuff! She usually uses the computer online in the family room on the couch with me and uses it to IM her friends or check online for school clothes to go try on in stores.

I got each of us a cell phone and that was mainly for my peace of mind--I can now get ahold of her anytime. We live in a small town and she walks to friends' houses, etc. I wanted one because there are just no pay phones anymore and it's been driving me crazy. She's only allowed to call home, my cell, and her dad.

Is she spoiled because of this? I don't think so. She's always very grateful for anything she gets. She gets straight A's in school, plays basketball and is in the choir, and has never given me any reason to distrust her. If there were behavior problems, privileges would be taken away.

 

[JVL1018]

My kids are little(2 and 4) and they have nothing in their rooms except, beds, dressers, bookcases...and a ton of toys. LOL
They have a playroom with more toys, and a TV down there.
I do not want them having their own TVs because once I got my own(at 16) I hibernated in my bedroom.

I was with my 10 yr old niece and my 9 yr old nephew yesterday and they each have Direct TV and VCRs in their rooms, and my nephew has Playstation as well.
They are absolutely wonderful kids, so though *I* don't want my kids having that stuff in their rooms, I don't think it's spoiling a kid to let them have things like that. It all depends on the child.

There's a difference between spoiling a child and raising a spoiled brat, IMO My husband was most definately spoiled, his parenst bought him cars and paid for his car insurance until he got married-btu he si the kind of guy who will do anything fo anyone, has absolutely no sense of entitlement even though he got things handed to him.

I think my kids are a little spoiled-they are forever getting new toys and treats. But they are not brats.

 

[JVL1018]

My kids are little(2 and 4) and they have nothing in their rooms except, beds, dressers, bookcases...and a ton of toys. LOL
They have a playroom with more toys, and a TV down there.
I do not want them having their own TVs because once I got my own(at 16) I hibernated in my bedroom.

I was with my 10 yr old niece and my 9 yr old nephew yesterday and they each have Direct TV and VCRs in their rooms, and my nephew has Playstation as well.
They are absolutely wonderful kids, so though *I* don't want my kids having that stuff in their rooms, I don't think it's spoiling a kid to let them have things like that. It all depends on the child.

There's a difference between spoiling a child and raising a spoiled brat, IMO My husband was most definately spoiled, his parenst bought him cars and paid for his car insurance until he got married-btu he si the kind of guy who will do anything fo anyone, has absolutely no sense of entitlement even though he got things handed to him.

I think my kids are a little spoiled-they are forever getting new toys and treats. But they are not brats.

 

[Trish Bessette]

My girls are soon to be 11 & 8. They do each have a TV w/VCR & DVD in their room. They each have a nice stereo. The oldest has a computer and the youngest has the Playstation.

However, neither one watches much TV. They may watch a movie every now and then. Their outside girls, or I should say "tomboys" with their mini bikes, snowmobiles and our boat.

Also, my youngest averages about 10 hours on the Playstation a year! That doesn't upset me at all!

The second I feel they don't appreciate anything they have it will be gone.

My oldest is starting 5th grade. In a year or so I will get her a cell phone, for piece of mind knowing I can get a hold of her.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I haven't read many of the responses, but thought I would pipe in here before reading what others have. We live in an area that is fairly affuent, so many of my kids friends have a lot of stuff. My kids have Nintendo 64, Xbox, and Game Boys. We have several tv's in the house and a computer for the kids (I have my own laptop).

However, they are not allowed a computer or a tv in their room until they are college age. I want to see what they are watching, for how many hours a day, and at what time. They do have stereos, once they reach the age when they show an interest. When they turn 16 they do not get a car, and can only work weekends during the school year, unless it's babysitting or some other very part-time and/or flexible type work, so it would be hard for them to afford a car even if I allowed it. If they were to go to college and live at home (community college is the only thing that close to home), I would supply a car for them to use.

Hmmm, that just about covers it. I wish that their friends were not handed so much on a silver platter, but that is not my business. BTW, my kids are 4, 10, 13, and 16yo (the oldest is my only girl).

Oh, and they have to do chores, including washing their own laundry (the oldest 2), cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming, etc. What a mean mother I am.



T&B

 

[nativetxn]

When my son was still at home he didn't have everything, although he did have a television and cable access in his bedroom.