Your child's birthday is coming up and whether you have the money or not, it is important to take moments like these to teach your children certain values that you would like for them to hold on to as they grow up. It is extremely significant to teach our children the value of money, the importance of family, and the responsibility that comes with age.
While many parents want to indulge their children, spoiling kids can have serious repercussions later in life. Children who grow up receiving every material item that they desire may often feel a sense of entitlement and may ultimately become extremely materialistic, often relying on the receipt of material items in order to feel loved. While a little indulgence is absolutely fine, it is important that our children recognize the value of moderation.
For many children, birthdays become associated with elaborate parties and tons of presents that may often go unappreciated and eventually discarded. If you want to honor, but not indulge, your child on his or her birthday, take a look at the following suggestions. These tips may help your child develop a sense about the significance of sacrifices his or her family makes in order to celebrate them
Limit presents.
One of the traditional aspects of celebrating a birthday is receiving presents. However, many families may not have the financial resources available to them to provide a plethora of gifts for their children. If friends and family members offer your child money as a present, sit down with your child and develop a plan. Figure out what percentage of the total amount they receive can be spent on personal items that your child desires and did not receive for their birthday. Teach them the importance of saving money for the future by opening up a savings account and encouraging them to save a percentage of the money they receive as gifts. If your family can afford it, suggest that your child donate a percentage to a local charity of their choice. Allow them to do some research concerning local charities and suggest that they volunteer for the charity in addition to their financial contributions. This gesture will not only show your child that life is not all about money, it will (hopefully) teach them that it is important to help others in need when we can.
Another great way to limit presents is to suggest that family and friends purchase educational gifts for your child. Rather than spending a great deal of money on material items such as toys, ask your relatives and anyone who asks what they should get your child, to focus on education. Ask for books or gift cards to bookstores. If your child has a particular hobby or interest, such as model airplane building, basketball, soccer, etc, purchase items that will encourage these extra curricular activities and promote the development of your child's talents and hobbies.
Think outside the box.
With regard to presents, many friends and family members may decide to purchase toys for your child, without asking you what your child wants or what you feel is an appropriate gift. While it is important that you teach your child to appreciate these gestures, it is also important for them to recognize that these material items are not as valuable as time spent with family, or learning opportunities. Celebrate your child's birthday by taking a family trip. Not only will he or she be able to spend quality time with his/her parents and/or siblings, he/she will also be likely to create priceless memories during this time together. Further, taking a trip to Washington D.C. (for example) as opposed to Disneyworld, is also likely to provide your child with the opportunity to learn something new.
Make Parties about Family.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating your child's birthday in the traditional way with a birthday party. However, if you want to honor rather than indulge your child, keep the focus on spending time with friends and family rather than making it all about presents, decorations, party themes, cake, and/or the location. Keep your child focused on the fact that the gathering is to celebrate his or her connection to friends and family who appreciate him or her for the person that they are and the future that lies ahead of them.
Teach Your Child About Responsibility.
After a certain age, when your child reaches a birthday, he or she should understand that the transition from one age to another doesn't just come with more privileges; it also comes with more responsibilities. When your child turns ten, for example, he or she may want to have their bedtime extended. Or, they may ask to sleep over a friend's house. It is important for your child to take part in the milestones that come with growing older; however, they should also recognize that in order to appreciate these privileges, they must also understand the concept of responsibility and accountability. Therefore, be sure that your child knows that once they transition into another age, they will also have more chores. For example, if at ten, your son wants to go to sleepovers with his friends, be sure he knows that he must also take care of his own laundry, or help out around the house in other ways. This way, your child will learn that there are benefits to growing older, and that an increased sense of independence and autonomy also comes with an increase in responsibility.
Of course, we want our children to feel special on their birthdays and enjoy themselves. However, there are plenty of ways to experience joy and pleasure without being completely spoiled. Over indulging your child's ever whim will not only make them spoiled, self-centered adults; it is also sure to lay the foundation for the creation of a jaded individual later in life someone who is never pleased with what is offered and is always seemingly expecting more.