Raising Considerate Childen in a Me-First World

 

3 Overproviding

The problem.  In a survey of young adults, 81 percent dais that the most important goal of other generations is to become rich'-rating it far above helping others. but striving for wealthy does not being contentment.  In fact, research indicates that people who focus on material things are less happy and more depressed.  They also have a higher rate of physical and mental problems.

What is behind it?  In some cases, children are being raised in materialistic families.  "Parents want  to make their children happy, and children want stuff," says the book The Narcissism Epidemic.  "Thus parents buy them stuff. And children are happy, but only for a short period of time.  Then they want even more stuff.

Of course, the advertising industry has been all too eager to exploit this hungry consumer market.  It promises such ideas as "You deserve the best' and 'Because you're worth it.'  Many young adults have devoured the message and are not in debt, unable to pay for things they "deserve." 

What the Bible says.  The Bible acknowledges the need for money. (Ecclesiastes 7:12)  At the same time, it warns that "the love of money is a root  of all evil (all sorts of injurious things) It adds: "By reaching out for this love, some . . .have stabbed themselves all over with many pains." (1 Timothy 6:10) The Bible enourages us, not to pursue material riches, but to be content with the basic necessities of life. - 1 TIMOTHY 6:7, 8. 

"Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptaion and a snare and many senseless and heartfelt desires."- 1 TIMOTHY 6:9. 

What  you can do.  As a parent, examine your own attitude toward money and the things  it can buy.  Keep your priorities  straight, and help your children to do the same.  The Narcisssism Epidemic, quoted earlier, suggests: "Parents and children can start discussions on such topics as  'When is buying things on sale a good idea?  When  is it a bad idea?'  'What's an interest rate? 'When hae you bought something because somebody else thought you should?' 

Be careful not to use "stuff" as a drung to cover over family issues that need to be addressed.  "Throwong material goods at problmes is a notoriously unsuccessful solution," says the book The Price of Privilege.  "Problems need to be addressed with thought, insight, and empathy., not shoes and purses." 

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/Do Manners Really Matter? 

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