Breaking a cycle of materialism

We live in a materialistic society where success is measured by the amount of things you own and bling you have. Keeping up with the Kunenes is the reason most families end up in debt ‘because they want to impress people with money they don’t have’. If we’re doing this as adults, is it any surprise to find that our kids are materialistic? How do we go about breaking this cycle and raising children who can find worth in the things that really matter, rather than designer clothing, electronic gadgets or fancy toys?

Start with yourself

If you become overly excited when a new cell phone, car or TV is released, your behaviour will rub off your children. They pay far more attention to what adults do and say than you might think. It’s bad enough that they’re being inundated by negative messages from the media; they don’t need to get the same messages from you too. Leaving behind the materialistic mindset is a wonderful lesson to teach your child. If you can set the right example, then together you and your kids can gain a whole new perspective on life and that’s the most valuable possession of all.

Show them that there are more important things in life

Try showing your child the importance of family time but spending time with them, talking, imagining, and creating memories together than on your gadget. Limit the amount of commercials your children are exposed to so that they see as little as possible of adverts that will persuade them into wanting a particular lifestyle that the family cannot even afford. If your child is asking about something they see advertised in a magazine or on a billboard, talk to them about why that doesn’t necessarily mean they have to have it.

Imagination is one of the greatest tools your child has

Go outside and toss a ball around or work in the garden or just take a walk and you’ll be opening her eyes to the value of the simple things around them. Unplug and get out there and live. Encourage your child to find ways of having fun that don’t involve buying things. It’s the best way to teach them what really matters.

Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen

At times take for granted what they have and the best way you can teach them to appreciate what they have is by taking her to the less privileged and make them volunteer there. This is a perfect way to get her to truly appreciate everything she already has instead of just looking for more. In order to stop being materialistic, your child needs to readjust her priorities and put the right value in the right places.