Boundary Buster #4 - Over-Indulgence

Spoiling our children with material things is just one form of over-indulgence. Over-indulged kids grow up not feeling satisfied with what they have—always wanting more.

We, as parents, over-indulge by giving in to their every demand. The cry, "I'm bored." results in parents stopping and becoming the entertainment centre. Whatever happened to creative play and kids just finding things to do?

As our children get older they need to take on some responsibilities. We can help by giving them an allowance so they can save up for that treasured item. Sometimes they will even learn that the "treasured" item is not so great after all. Another of "Life's lessons learned."

Getting a job when they reach 15 allows them some spending money and realising that parents are not going to always give them what they want. In fact, parents need to take a lesson from the two year olds of the world and say "NO" to some of their children's demands.

Allison reminded me of a caller to our radio show (years ago) who spoke of his 22 year old daughter who had a couple of jobs, an apartment but spent her money on clothes and other material goods. When it came time to pay the phone bill she came begging to daddy. This habit was started long ago and as the father commented, she had not learned the value of money because she had always counted on dad to give her money or buy her things.

What lessons do we teach our children when we over-indulge them? Lessons that mom or dad will come to their rescue and they really do not have to take on these responsibilities.

For more on over-indulgence and over-protection, tune into Island Parent Radio on Village 900, on Tuesday June 12th at 7 pm (PST) or Sunday morning (June 17th) at 9 am (PST) and hear our complete discussion.