MEMORIES: Parenting: The Thin Line Between Loving and Spoiling

As parents, we have the tendency to give our children all or most of the material things they want (and that we can afford) for a simple reason, we love them; never thinking that these actions that are rooted or motivated by the intense love that we have for them could create an unintended effect.
 
Fortunately, not many kids will misconstrue our intentions.  The good news is that the majority of kids are responsible, intelligent, loving and understanding.
 
We must be careful; however, with what is happening in the world today. Parents are overwhelmed juggling work, house chores, and children sports practices, tournaments, school, homework and last but not least, spouses. Let’s not forget the zillion personal and work emails, texts, face time, Facebook, Instagram, twitter…. well, you get the drift.  We also want to give our kids IPhone’s, I ‘pad’s, Tablet’s, PlayStation, etc. and anything else that they “need” to keep them engaged, entertained and up-to-date with technology. In turn, that give us time to do what we need to do.      
 
All this to say that it is Ok to keep younger kids and teens involved by providing them all they want, as long as we make them understand that these goodies cost money; that parents worked hard to provide them these things; and that as sons and daughters, they are expected to understand how fortunate they are to enjoy these material items that many kids will never get the chance to have.  They should learn that although all parents go out of their way to provide for them, there are a large number of children that are not even thinking about these electronics, but rather if and when they will have a meal.
 
Finally, is it loving or spoiling? Only you can answer the question. This one is in your hands, find that balance. Although, I am 100% sure that your answer will be LOVE! Keep doing what you are doing, you are an amazing parent!