Too much too soon

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Really depends on the kids and the parents. I have nephews that value very little other than having what their friends have. My kids each had a computer in their rooms growing up because they needed to do their homework. I didn't want one child to have to accommodate the other and then worry about getting computer time. I installed nanny software on their computers and they knew it. I could look at the contents of their computers at any time. Not that I did, but kids need to know there are boundaries.

My kids also had cell phones before most of their friends. Not because they asked for them but because we needed reliable communication. I can remember more than once telling them that the phones were for my convenience, not theirs.

We tend to be early adopters of technology but we avoid poor quality and those things that need constant upating or replacing or are expensive to use. They still use all the ipods they've received. They won't get upgrades to iphone 5s automatically if their 4s are in good shape. I asked if they wanted ipads or ipad minis for christmas and both declined. One says she wants a micro-pedi device to remove callouses from her heel... the other one still hasn't decided what she wants for her high school graduation LAST JUNE so I'm not holding my breath.

Bottom line is: It's not the gifts themselves that spoil children... it's the manner in which they are given and how those children are taught to appreciate them.

 

[sunshinehighway]

I totally agree I bought an American Girl doll for my DD and she NEVER played with it, even though she thought she wanted one Major waste of money Her computer and iPhone have been used for years and are still being used

That was basically my point (which I guess I didnt express clearly). The electronic gift appears more extravagant or frivolous but when you really look at the cost vs. Other things (like Lego and AG), its not. Often it will get used longer so its not as extravagant as it seems.

 

[mhsjax]

That was basically my point (which I guess I didnt express clearly). The electronic gift appears more extravagant or frivolous but when you really look at the cost vs. Other things (like Lego and AG), its not. Often it will get used longer so its not as extravagant as it seems.

Got it, for some girls the doll would be a great gift and for my oldest, at one time, the lego would have been best. You do have to know your audience

 

[ccgirl]

Really depends on the kids and the parents. I have nephews that value very little other than having what their friends have. My kids each had a computer in their rooms growing up because they needed to do their homework. I didn't want one child to have to accommodate the other and then worry about getting computer time. I installed nanny software on their computers and they knew it. I could look at the contents of their computers at any time. Not that I did, but kids need to know there are boundaries.

My kids also had cell phones before most of their friends. Not because they asked for them but because we needed reliable communication. I can remember more than once telling them that the phones were for my convenience, not theirs.

We tend to be early adopters of technology but we avoid poor quality and those things that need constant upating or replacing or are expensive to use. They still use all the ipods they've received. They won't get upgrades to iphone 5s automatically if their 4s are in good shape. I asked if they wanted ipads or ipad minis for christmas and both declined. One says she wants a micro-pedi device to remove callouses from her heel... the other one still hasn't decided what she wants for her high school graduation LAST JUNE so I'm not holding my breath.

Bottom line is: It's not the gifts themselves that spoil children... it's the manner in which they are given and how those children are taught to appreciate them.

Bolded mine. I completely agree!

Just because a child is given an expensive gift does not mean they are spoiled. As others have said, I would much rather give my child an expensive electronic that will last for years and will be utilized than an inexpensive (or expensive) toy that will only last one season.

 

[MrEVILdrPorkchop2u]

Bolded mine. I completely agree!

Just because a child is given an expensive gift does not mean they are spoiled. As others have said, I would much rather give my child an expensive electronic that will last for years and will be utilized than an inexpensive (or expensive) toy that will only last one season.

Agree completely with this. Our kids do have some expensive things but they are given them because they do value what they have and appreciate things. They are not given every little thing their hearts desire. There are many times that our kids will save up for something they would like to have. We have taught the kids not to expect everything to be handed to them. I feel like we've taught our kids to become appreciative adults.