How Can I Help My Kids Stay Grounded in a Materialistic World?

Guiding your Kid in a Materialistic World

Jan 12

In this newsletter, we provide you with notes on How Do I Keep My Kids Grounded in a Materialistic World?, an episode of Ask Lisa. The Psychology of Parenting with Dr. Lisa Damour.

Dr. Lisa Damour, an author of two New York Times best-selling books, takes your questions, along with her co-host Reena Ninan, a journalist and mom of two.

Read our notes below.

Topics Covered in this Summary

How to Teach Kids To Be Less Materialistic

How to Teach Kids To Be Less Materialistic

Kids today are frequently exposed to commercials, and they are growing up with games and technology. It is hardly surprising that today's generation associates happiness with acquiring ever more material possessions.

Your children begin evaluating their value and self-worth in relation to their belongings before you even realize it. In this materialistic world, it is quite a challenge to raise generous kids.

It's common for children to constantly ask you to purchase them things, count their pennies, and inquire about the price of items. If you notice this in your child, don't be alarmed; over time, this will get better.

Here are some pointers that could be useful:

Giving in to your children's demands will never help them understand the true value of anything. Teach your children how to handle and prioritize their money from a young age. In order for your children to learn the basics of budgeting, encourage them to start saving.
Increasing your children's awareness of current situations will give them a completely new perspective. They will learn about those who are less fortunate and their life.
Encourage them to participate in activities like volunteering for a cause or joining a church where they may serve others.
Speaking of working to earn money, have your kids do the same when possible. Giving your kids an allowance and assigning duties will help them develop good financial practices. After that, rather than just letting them spend their earnings on whatever they choose, you can assist them in making judgments about how to spend their money.

Love, memories, attachment, and sentiments are some of the characteristics that make things valuable. Introduce your child to sentiments of nostalgia and educate them on the emotional value of things rather than the price tag. As parents, we want kids to enjoy their gifts, and if you know you can't offer them, don't give them. However, if you do provide it, make it unconditional.

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Listen to the original episode