Avoid the “I Want” Syndrome

Children are such precious little beings. They add that special something to our lives. But when they start to complain about wanting everything under the sun, we can’t imagine what that “something” is. Here are some tips for parents who are dealing with, or want to avoid, this classic syndrome that can affect children.

Complaining is not cute behavior and parents must learn that it should not be tolerated or rewarded. Throwing a temper tantrum because they cant have a certain toy from a store should not be considered a cute phase that the child just happens to be passing through. Indulging the child to end the embarrassment of a public tantrum is not helpful either.

Keep in mind that a childs mind learns at a tremendously rapid pace. If a child finds that throwing an awful tantrum is the way to get what he or she wants, this behavior will make itself into a deeply entrenched bad habit that only becomes harder to break as time goes on.

Give them an allowance. Children naturally think that our money is also their money, and to a certain extent they are right. We provide for their well-being by purchasing food and clothing. We pay the mortgage so that they have a roof over their heads. But this doesn’t entitle them to act like we are a genie in a bottle.

Children will experience having their own money for the first time when receiving an allowance. Teach them to save their money each week. They will be truly fascinated as they patiently watch their small stockpile of savings grow until they can buy that toy theyve been so desperately waiting for.

By nature, children imitate their parents. Impulsive purchasing and other bad financial habits are sure to be copied, so have family meetings to discuss finances and make the children a part of the familys budget.

Learning that money doesnt grow on trees is a vital lesson. When parents teach their children about how saving money will work out to their own benefit, the kids get a step ahead in life. Parents can explain how saving money helps the entire family. For example, the family must save to go on vacations.

Teach a life lesson. Kids will want things. They learn how to share and not be greedy from you. Teach them the lesson of “less expensive” early on in their lives. When their allowance is small, take your kids to the dollar store for their money-spending excursions.

Television commercials prompt kids to ask about the latest doll or a monster truck. Don’t blow them off by saying,”We will see about it later.” Kids will take that as an affirmative answer. Instead, offer the idea of putting that toy on their Christmas or birthday wish list. Even better, encourage them to save and buy it with their own money.

Kids are a blank slate. They believe that they are entitled to whatever they see and want. You can change this behavior through the tips above.