As parents, we all want our children to be happy and fulfilled. It’s natural for us to want to make special days and festivals memorable for our children. But in today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the world of consumption, especially when we’re bombarded with messages telling us that we need more, bigger, better things. Everywhere we look, it’s like the universe is telling us to buy more, spend more, and consume more!
It’s important to remember that our children are not immune to these messages. They too are constantly being sold to, and it’s our job as parents to help them navigate this consumerist landscape. We can do this by teaching them the value of experiences over things, and by encouraging them to be mindful of their consumption.
Few discussions we have started having now with our children revolve around-
- The impact of their choices– We now explain how buying products that are ethically sourced, environmentally friendly, or made by local artisans can make a positive difference in the world.
- Involving them in the process– When we go shopping, we talk about why we’re choosing certain products over others, things like environmental impact, fair trade, and ethical sourcing. When we make a purchase, we encourage kids to ask questions about where the product came from and how it was made. By encouraging our kids to think about these issues, we can help them make more ethical and sustainable choices.
- On special days and festivals, we make an effort to create meaningful experiences for our children that don’t revolve around material gifts. For example, we plan a family outing, spend time together cooking or playing board games, or do something creative like making our own decorations, DIY greeting cards etc.
- Discussing the difference between needs and wants, and encouraging our kids to save and budget their money. We openly talk about big purchases lined ahead and how we must save for it.
It goes without saying that it can be hard to strike a balance between giving our kids what they want and teaching them to be responsible consumers. But just a bit of conscious effort to teach our children about the importance of mindfulness and intentionality in their consumption habits can make a considerable difference in the long run.
Remember, raising a consumer isn’t just about what we buy, it’s about the values we instil in our children. At the end of the day, we want our children to grow up with a healthy relationship with money and possessions. By teaching them to be responsible consumers, we can help them achieve this goal. Let’s work together to raise the next generation of thoughtful, conscious consumers!
Go Mommy!