Children & their Demands for Branded Things
Recently
on one of my videos on parenting, I received question from a mother that said,
“Children know more about brand than parents.... because of the influence of
the outside world parents do not to teach them as many a times parents wear
simple things throughout their lives but children need branded wares.... That
is also other side of the coin... Suggest how parents can deal with this situation.?”
I think almost all the parents today
are facing the same situation so wanted to share this with you.
I believe children are attracted to what the world
shows them, There is nothing wrong with asking for the brands, the problem is
when they do not value the money that is spent for the same and when they are
seeking the particular brand not for its inherent value or goodness but for
competing with their peers. A few things if followed in the house hold right
from beginning can bring some monetary discipline in children:
1. Never try to show that
we can buy anything they ask for even when they are 2 years old cute and they
ask for not so expensive things. The awareness among parents has to be right
from the birth of the child. The child does not understand the cost or value,
for him it is just a fact that my parents can get me anything that i ask
for.
2. If children ask for
something specific let them know that it will be given to them against their
next good results (Unless it is too expensive for you). This is to let them
know that they have to earn their luxuries just like the rest of us and for
them the responsibility is studying.
3. Ensure that whenever
the children get money as gifts it is to be deposited with the parent till at
least they finish class 10th. The parents have to be accountable to gain the
children's trust by putting away the money in a separate envelope marked with
the child's name and not using it for any other purpose. Occasionally when the
parents feel right the children can be allowed to use the money out of their savings
after discussing the need.
4. Let children take up
odd jobs around the house so that they can earn. This teaches them the hard
work that goes into earning each penny. Also if it is a regular job that the
child takes up like dusting every day etc, ensure that you deduct the day’s pay
from their salary if they miss out even one day. (Except when sick or out on
school project)
5. After around the age
of 10 take them with you for grocery and vegetable shopping and make them
calculate and pay for what is bought so they know how expensive it is to run a
normal household which they normally take for granted.
6. In this series then
let them know the difference between necessities and luxuries. Tell them your
responsibility is to ensure that their needs are taken care of their
wants, like the brands. They have to earn and save.
So many other ways can be added to this depending upon
the household members, income and the personality of the child. However it is
very important that ONCE YOU SAY NO TO SOMETHING- STICK TO IT, even if they
throw bad tantrums. Remember children will demand, that is their nature,
but if you keep giving them just to free yourself of their tantrums, they will
never learn the value. Rather what they will learn is, the price of everything
is a good tantrum.
Whatever you do, the keyword is CONSISTENCY.
Eventually they learn.