the "gimmes"

[houseelf]

At two years old, my son is already starting to get a case of the "gimmes", i.e. I want this and I want that. In particular, he studies the Thomas the Tank Engine line of products and asks for...well pretty much every train. At $10 a train, let's just say that he will be playing with his generic trains for awhile.



But it is even more than his inventory of the Thomas trains, it is his exposure of marketing from everything from McDonald's to amusement parks....How do you all teach your kids that they don't really need this stuff without sounding like the ogre-mommy who says "no" all the time. How do you teach your children gratitude and what real needs are?



Kelly

Really, Kelly..this is such a challenging thing. I especially hear you on the marketing. My children see things on nickelodeon, or kid's disney that they 'have' to have...and they have really come to believe that they should be able to have it instantly. Or how about the check-out counters in the grocery store with the candy all at eye-level? We are also struggling to teach our children these lessons. I'd love to hear what others have to say on this topic.



kris
"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be."
Douglas Adams

[DCJenn]

Well, when you do, let me know because my husband has Acute Adult Onset Gimmees.



Jenn

[houseelf]

"Acute Adult Onset Gimmees"



ha ha ha ha ha!!!



Kelly