"Can we buy that? Everyone has it."  

 "Mom, I really neeeeed a cell phone!!"  

"But it's only $50...."  

Sound familiar? In my household and in many homes in America, these are the echoes of children's voices wanting more of this and that. We live in a society where kids are constantly bombarded with the idea that having stuff makes you happy.  

I have to admit I am guilty of perpetuating this desire for a variety of reasons. Mostly, the constant harping for wanting this and that wears me down and grates on my nerves. In my moment of weakness I cave in and roar, "Okay! For goodness sake, ENOUGH already. I'll get it!"  

Sometimes it's that inner voice that says, "don't you feel sorry for them...they're just looking on longingly at their friend's new toy/clothing/video whatever...why shouldn't they have what their friends have?" You know that mommy instinct that kicks in and wants to make things right for our kids? Once clarity sets in, my thoughts turn to, "oh no, not again...what have I done?"  

Slowly but surely I have learned to recognize those weak moments and veered away from them. When my children rant and rave for something, I now tell them to save for it. Delayed gratification is good not bad.  

Teaching one’s children about gratitude for what they have and not hanker for more stuff is important lesson parents need to instill.

Such as:

·        Gratitude for food on the table

·        A home to live in

·        A school to go to

·        A country where all are free

·        The blessings of family and friends  

I've learned to teach my children that more stuff does not make them happy. What they truly had to have a few weeks ago is now lying around the floor resulting in another useless accumulation of junk. Getting more junk is not the answer.  

It’s a difficult battle trying to reason with children at the store. Setting ground rules beforehand is imperative before entering the store by discussing with them what they can or can't have. Negotiating inside that den of temptation is like convincing a moth not to fly toward the flames. Impossible!  

The art of donation by teaching your children to share their blessings is an important aspect of giving back to their community. If you have toys “breeding overnight” give them away. Giving and sharing is what brings happiness. If we don't show them what sharing is, the world definitely won't.  

Showing by example is speaks louder than words. I've learned I too have to do my part and pare down. Share the blessings and let go of sentimental stuff. For example, just because I have so many fond memories attached to my children's baby and toddler clothes, doesn't mean I have to hang on to all of them. Okay, to be honest, I've kept one or two pieces but not more.  

Storing pre-children clothes hoping to fit into them someday doesn't work either. Closets bursting with clothes that "might be in fashion again someday" are just taking up space. I've learned to give away and what a relief to be able to have more room in my closet.  

I've learned to teach my children that laughing with your sibling, singing and running in the rain, time with neighbors, fishing, water-balloon fights, gazing at the stars, make for great memories. Best of all, they cost nothing. If I don't teach my children who will?  

No one is a perfect mother or father. I've stopped beating myself with guilty thoughts of whether or not I have done or taught my children enough to prepare them for the world beyond the home. Every parent tries their best and sometimes that is all we have to give. I say it is more than enough.

Parenthood is a roller coaster ride with your kids. It's a thrilling, joyful ride. There are lows and there are highs and there are times when all you can do is hang-on tight. It's a ride like no other.