Making our children's lives too materialistic is detrimental. We can give our children the most by giving them the least. Many parents have witnessed a climbing tree, empty cardboard box, tiny green worm, or lightning bug delight children more than a high-priced toy ever could.
Happy adults appreciate the free and natural things around them. This enjoyment is learned in childhood. Allowing our children's misbehaviour to go without consequences injures them. As a child, when my father redecorated my bedroom, it meant he built a bookshelf. Today, saying "Go to your room!" won't allow a child to think about his/her wrongdoings if the bedroom is "redecorated" with an air conditioner, color TV set hooked up to several hundred TV cable channels and games, stereo, Nintendo, Pokemon, and computer games. Happy adults comprehend the logical connection between making a poor choice and its negative consequences. This awareness is discovered in childhood.
We must insure our children receive the best education possible. Children who learn to read and write well in school will enjoy life more. Happy adults are intrinsically motivated to learn after their formal schooling has ended. This lifelong learning begins in childhood.Yes, we carry much of our childhood with us. Acting young helps us stay young...I'm going outside to play.
Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. has retired from his positions of School Psychologist and adjunct professor in the School of Leadership & Policy Studies at Bowling Green State Univeristy. A portion of Ad sale revenue from this site is donated to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. Questions? Comment? Concerns about family, parenting, educational or personal concerns? Contact him on the secure Bpath Mail Form.
