Parenting guilt makes me consume more than I normally would and I am sure most parents understand this. I took my son to Sesame Street Live because I knew he would love it, and he did. At the show there were numerous options to purchase keepsakes for your kid. They had shirts, balloons, light-up toys, etc. The worst part was not only being bombarded with these options but seeing all the other kids that had already been given one of these items. When the intermission started they brought out large Elmo balloons and you could just hear all the kids wanting one. Well played on the marketing, but I quickly exited the area and told my son we would not be getting one today.
Here is where the guilt comes in, are you going to be the only parent that doesn’t get your kid a souvenir gift? While I had a good internal debate about how I shouldn’t be sucked into this consumption and guilt, the guilt won out. But I did purchase something that would be longer lasting than a balloon or light-up toy. In the end I went with a soccer ball and he slept with it for about a week straight.
This isn’t the only instance where guilt drives consumption. The holidays really try to make this happen. There are always toys that kids want. You also won’t want to give them everything they want. I know I couldn’t afford to buy everything that my 2 year old wants, but every new thing he sees he wants. How is it in him at such a young age to want everything? During the holidays each parent has to make the decision of where to draw the line on presents. We decided to stick to three gifts and a stocking. I think this is plenty, especially when he also receives gifts from grandparents.
I understand the urge to want things but I really hope I can teach my kid that just because he wants something doesn’t mean he gets it or needs it. I also hope that every time he wants something, my guilt doesn’t win. I just feel like no matter what, I will always be plagued with consumption issues. Our society is just centered around it and it is impossible to avoid, but hopefully the guilt won’t win next time.
