- Birthdays: Children typically receive gifts from family and friends on their birthdays. These gifts can add up quickly, and children can develop an expectation that they will receive presents each year.
I was thinking about my earlier post on Raising Children in the Minimalist and FIRE Lifestyle and thought about the biggest challenge in teaching children to be less consumeristic is that we live in a society that values material possessions and gift-giving. It’s a sign of love and thoughtfulness, purely well-intended. But this is tough for a family that has strong beliefs in consuming less!
In the past, children would receive gifts and presents only on special occasions, such as birthdays or holidays. However, today’s children are bombarded with a constant stream of gifts and toys throughout the year, leading to a culture of excess and materialism that can have a damaging effect on their development and overall well-being.
Here are some examples:
