It is very easy in our commercially driven environment for kids to grow up wanting everything they see. I noticed this problem being discussed on the list and thought it a good topic for a tip.

When parents do lots of extra things for their kids, they feel they are being good to them. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Many parents give their kids everything they ask for, saying, "I can afford it and besides I want them to have everything I didn't have." A noble meaning gesture- but foolish.

We cannot prepare kids for the real world by making it too easy for them. Your job as parents is to give them a safe environment to experience life. We must make them strong and responsible.

Money is one source of learning, as they try to budget and save their small amounts of allowance or part- time job earnings. We tell them "Money doesn't grow on trees," then answer their every request with a check or a trip to the mall. This is not the way for them to learn to care for money or appreciate what they get. They also never learn the value of money in this manner. Kids should know what things actually cost. If it doesn't make you uncomfortable, share parts of the household budget figures so they can appreciate how much money it takes to run a household.

Give your kids a reasonable amount of material possessions and cash, but encourage them to earn their value by requiring them to earn the money for some more major wants. Help them find an appropriate way to earn extra cash and help them save. Show them good money skills by example.

Tell kids there are many things you want, but you can't have them right now. You may need to save for a long time. Discourage the instant gratification syndrome, by showing them how to make long range saving plans for big purchases.

Be good to your kids and be responsible parents by saying 'no' sometimes to their constant requests.

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel