lilyblue | leah zawadzki

Beautiful. Of course. As always!

Though what you're going through is totally understandable, it is something you have to nip in the bud now if you expect it to get better at all. This used to be a teen problem, but companies have figured out in recent years that they can influence tiny kids too. It's not good.

Teaching them to be thankful for things requires you to say no when they say yes (especially with a three-year-old). Materialism is deadly, and it's killing our country. You want to help them get away from that, stop getting them what they want. Tell them, "Instead of paying $20 for these jeans, let's go find a homeless man downtown and give him $20." Or set some sort of tradition that when they receive a new doll, that they have to pick an old one to give away (why we think our kids need all these toys when they don't play with 90% of them confuses me). It is better to give than receive, but your kids will never know that if you don't make it a BIG part of your family's life.

I am not just pointing fingers, I am speaking from personal experience. I had a grandma who would get me absolutely whatever I wanted, and it took me many years to understand that I have a lot to be thankful for, and that I didn't deserve any of what she gave me. Point is, all those gifts made me feel like I in some way deserved it, and it made it very hard to transition to birthdays and Christmases without her spoiling; I was ungrateful when I got just a few things.

Parents going all out for their children is a natural reaction for us all, but unfortunately buying them everything when they are young will not make them thankful (no matter how many times you mention there are people in the world sleeping in streets), it will make them feel like the deserve every heart's desire.

Sorry to be so pointed, but your post really did send up a red flag, especially your comments about your three-year-old. You of course don't have to post this, I won't be offended at all.

But, do understand, your children's thankful attitude rests entirely on you and their father.

Hey Leah!

I'm just loving your actions!! I haven't purchased yet, but I'm contemplating!! What did you use on these??

Thanks!:-)

thanks not important...even though i know everything you say--it's just so hard to follow through. lately i have made them give away TEN things to get one. and i say NO all the time. but this time we were on vacation. it still concerns me that they already understand what a lucky store is. it's a lot of work--i will keep trying :) thank you all for your comments.

sorry susan...the top two are just the basic preset. the bottom three are daffodil + honey action. hope this helps :)

hi sweet leah. gratitude will go a long way, and i've seen how wonderful and lucky your life is AND how appreciative you are of it. our children experience the world as abundant, it is a gift. i love to see children that know themselves, know their likes and dislikes. the best we can do is live the life that feels right to us and give our children the chances to do the same. they are good souls.

love this! "Or set some sort of tradition that when they receive a new doll, that they have to pick an old one to give away"

I just wanted to add after reading the post that followed mine - the fact that you are actually CONCERNED about your children growing up to be materialistic reveals a lot about you as a parent.

You care about these sort of things, so your kids will too. Caring is good enough if you ask me. So what if you bought them a t.shirt? That makes you a nice mum who loves her kids. It's not something you are going to do every day is it??

I bet the thing you spoil them with the most is love...

thank you guys :) love to you all xxoo

Leah, I go through this with my girls as well! I worry about my 6yr old because she thinks that short skirts look cute and is constantly asking me if she looks pretty or "does this dress make me look pretty?". I have always told her that she is beautiful inside and out but she is very materialistic and constantly wants more, more, more. I'm trying to teach her at the moment that she needs to be thankful for what she has but how can I teach her that when she is constantly given everything she needs for nothing. It's hard and I definitely don't have any answers for you but you are not alone and all we can do is our best! Big (((Hugs)))!