by Dakota Cowart

Created on: March 11, 2009

You can buy your child's affection with expensive gifts, yet the question you should ask yourself is,"Is it the kind of affection that's wanted?" I am nearly 18, and am the child in this argument. At the age of 5, my parents divorced and I have to say that it has caused some problems for me (but that's beside the point). Since then, my dad has become the parent to try and exploit his love through the power of purchasing. He hasn't really spent a lot on me, but that is the only way he understands how to express love. At times, I fall into the mentality that I actually enjoy the love he expresses; like the fact he bought me my first motorcycle and car. However, as I mature, I feel that I want a love that's deeper than any material can possibly provide for me. I'm actually looking for a connection, for a father-son relationship, yet he is cold-hearted and built upon the the false principles of manliness. Of course, I'm not saying that all kids or teens are like me, or would assess the same situation like I would, yet the hardest thing most my peers think about is where to get laid that night.

Like I said, you should ask if it's the right kind of affection that is wanted. When a child is given what he/she wants then they become lazy, superficial, and become spoiled (to the extreme of being a brat). I child should never be subjected to such satisfaction otherwise it will be a hard fall when they realize that they are not in power. Love should be anyone's answer to garnering affection, for it is the way which will create the greatest relationship. The love in which I'm talking about can be spending quality time with or through touch (like hugs or even kisses). Also, the relationship based on expensive gifts is a vulnerable one because it is based on the value of a dollar, and if that spending power disappears, so will that relationship that was bought.

In any case, you can buy that affection, but I can say that you wouldn't want it. The relationship is more like a parisitic one, for the buyer would get nothing in return except for complaining. As a constant in this argument I believe I can base my belief in what I've experienced, and basically common knowledge as well. As they say, money is the root of all evil, and by using it as the foundation of a relationship you are building it on unsteady ground.

Thank you, reader, for actually reading my writing and you will see more of me I promise

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