Do we give our kids too many treats?

Two Little Piggles - 15 Jun 16

We were always allowed an ice cream or a drink when we were younger and out and about. We knew the boundaries, we knew what a treat was and we didn’t push it (no doubt we asked for both but already knew the answer!). We sometimes got a pencil in the gift shop or perhaps one of those little bouncy ball things (that would be my sister) but never much more. I wasn’t a deprived child I had a nice upbringing in a lovely home, with foreign holidays and all the toys and clothes I needed. It just feels a bit different now!

With such a disposable culture nowadays you can literally buy anything for a small amount of money. Perhaps it’s because we are fortunate to earn more than our parents, or perhaps it’s because we are making up for the fact we’re at work. Perhaps it’s just because it’s nice to buy treats!

Anyway this week I purchased yet MORE Lego for one small boy who is obsessed. He plays for hours with the stuff, his imagination is endless, and it’s lovely building things with him. He completed a whole week with no accidents (of the toilet variety) during the day and amazingly he is now 5 days into being dry at night. He’s also had his hair cut. Now the hair cut has been a hideous event for us for the last 18 months. He hates it and because of this we end up nearly in tears and covered in hair every time. He has a huge mop of thick hair and he gets very hot. So we need to cut the curls for more reasons than just to make him look smart.

This week we talked about it and he finally allowed my sister to cut it with scissors (not clippers). Let’s just say it was a momentous occasion. She’s a hairdresser so this isn’t so random as it could be! He hates loud noises (random as he is very loud!) with fireworks and a hand dryer being high on the list of hates. So because everyone knows bribery is the official way the good parenting guides suggest we get toddlers to do things….I used Lego. And to great success I might add.

These things we buy seem small and the joy our kids get is great. But is there now an expectation? Are we creating a rod for our own back?

I am pretty sure he’s spoilt with trips out for lunch, getting character t shirts and new Lego. These are all normal. But this seems to be the case for a large number of today’s children. Should I be bothered? If we can give him these things why not? At the same time if it’s not how you’ve been brought up… it feels very strange. It’s a bit like when you grow up and realise you can buy sweets whenever you want and not just on a Friday!

Perhaps these are the ramblings of a crazy woman. I’m sure big piggle will continue to receive everything he could ever want….but it has made me think.

Two Little Piggles

Mummy of two little piggles attempting to blog. Enjoys hot coffee, going to the toilet by myself and not wearing sick stained clothes.

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