If one word could be used to describe this generation's children overall, while I'm loath to generalize, I would have to say that word is spoiled. Children need to know that they are loved, and they need to know that their parents and family care about them, but they do not need to have every thing on their wish list (which gets bigger and more expensive each year). Kids now a days think nothing of asking for an xBox for their birthday. They think cell phones, and game systems and their own televisions and bedrooms are all rights, not privileges. It would really help if parents would get a grip and stop trying to buy the love of children they feel guilty about leaving with sitters while they work.

Keep it real. One or two gifts within a reasonable budget is plenty. Make a cake. Do something fun as a family. Order pizza or go to a movie. Go ice skating or roller skating. Go bowling. Anything. Let your children bring a friend, but don't let that get out of hand either. You should never have to juggle 15 kids for pizza, no matter how much guilt you have.

Learn more about this author, C Davison.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to honor but not indulge your child on his/her birthday?
We want to hear your view. Write now!