Do you give them all they need?

I may not give my kids everything they want every day, but they always have what they need. They have food, they have drinks, a warm bed, and a roof over their heads. I see to it that they shower and wear clean clothing. They own books galore. I know, that is surprising considering that I am an author lol. They have video games and kindles and televisions in their rooms. They have bikes to ride and outside toys to play with. We even have a basketball hoop in our driveway.

Now, you may be reading my list and thinking to yourself that this author doesn't know the meaning of the word need. I do know that all these things are not necessarily stuff they need. However, I listed some items to reiterate the point that children do need fun stuff. They need to be allowed to play and be children.

I also teach them the value of the word no. You may be asking yourself how "no" can have value. You may already know. No is equated to zilch, zero, nothing. But that very absence of something can be very valuable. You tell your child, "NO! Don't touch the hot fire!!" No became valuable.

Now I am not saying that the following statement applies to any of my readers, but I say it with the hope that it will be passed around and perhaps reach some who do not understand this. Telling your child "No" when they ask for a new toy is a valuable lesson in itself. They need to learn that they cannot have everything they want in life. They need to understand that they will work hard for the things that they want, but they will still sometimes have to say no.

Do you know any adults that spend money they don't have? They have a term for it. They call it "living beyond their means." These people are struggling to keep the simple things like a roof and water and electricity because they wanted new clothes, video games, to go out partying, etc.. They didn't learn the value in the word no.

So, reward your children for good behavior. Tell them yes sometimes at the store. Don't be afraid to tell your child that you cannot afford that expensive pair of jeans they want. Don't be afraid to make them earn something in life. And, as they get older, charge them! Yes, ask them to pay for something. If everything comes easy to them in their formative years, they will not be equipped to handle the real world when they are thrust into it as adults.