By Jean Tracy, NW Author
KidsDiscuss.com, Parent Newsletter
Parents, are your kids greedy? If you’re child says “I want, I want, I want” in stores, at TV Ads, or wherever you go, she probably is. Find out what your child really wants and what you can do.
Building Character with An Excerpt from BackTalk Street and “Gretta The Greedy,” page 33
…”That’s a new bike. When did you get it?” asked Thelma.
“This morning. I know how to get everything I want,” bragged Gretta.
“How?” asked Tilly.
“When I watch toy commercials or go to the store with mom, I say, ‘I want this, or Can I have that?’ When I really try hard, I say ‘Please, please, please’ in a very sweet voice. If that doesn’t work, I get mad and pout.”
Parents, greed is like a bottomless pit. Gretta had an unending appetite for things. She expected her mom to give her everything she wanted. But things didn’t make her happy and she kept begging for more.
When parents try to satisfy their child’s every want, they teach selfishness. They raise their child to be short-sighted, to only see ‘myself and me.’ There’s no room for others.
3 Parenting Tips for Helping Greedy Children to Change
1. Don’t give in. Your child must learn that begging and pouting won’t work.
2. Discuss a story like Gretta’s. Here are some questions to ask:
a. What do you think Gretta really needs from her mom?
b. Pretend you are Gretta’s mom. What advice would you give Gretta?
c. Imagine, if every child grew up greedy, what would the world be like?
3. If your child is greedy, consider replacing material things with simple no-cost fun together. (Get these 80 Fun Activities to Share with Your Kids at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com and my free Parenting Newsletter.)
Parents, your goal is to teach your kids the importance of relationships and loving others more than things. Like a wise guru repeat these simple words to your child often:
“Only love can fill an empty heart.”
Discuss what you mean. If you do, your child’s vision may begin to see and value others over wanting things.
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