Do you always give money, toys, or gadgets What does your little one ask just because he wants to see him happy? Careful, you know. This habit can make children become materialistic. So that this does not happen to your little one, it is important for you to know how to prevent it.
Materialistic is the attitude of someone who views happiness or achievement from the material side. Materialistic children are more likely to carry this trait into adulthood. He will also grow up to be someone who is narcissistic and never satisfied.
In addition, children with materialistic attitudes believe that having high-quality goods is the definition of success. He can also feel that his self-worth is determined by the price of the goods or products he has.
Causes of Materialistic Attitude in Children
Materialistic attitude in children does not just appear. A study states that parents who love their children too much and obey all their wishes can cause children to become materialistic.
The following are some habits that can make children materialistic:
Giving rewards in the form of material
Promising material too often, for example giving a new cell phone or an expensive toy if a child reaches for something, can make it materialistic. This will teach children that the main purpose of working hard is to get material, not to achieve achievement.
Giving gifts as a sign of love
Materialistic nature in children can be formed if parents often give gifts to children as a sign of love, in other words pampering them. This will make the child think that being loved means getting a gift.
Punishing children by taking property
Punishing children by confiscation of cellphones or video gamesIn fact, it can teach children that they need material possessions to feel better. Such parental behavior can make children materialistic.
In addition to the three things above, the influence of the media can also make a child materialistic. Various advertisements that children can see on television or the internet can shape their mindset. Children can be made to believe that lifestyle and objects in advertisements can give satisfaction and make life better.
How to Prevent Children from Being Materialistic
The materialistic nature of children can certainly have a bad effect on their later life. Therefore, you need to apply the right parenting pattern to prevent your little one from being materialistic.
Here is the guide:
1. Teach children how to be grateful
To form a child's personality that doesn't measure everything by material things, try to encourage him to thank people who help them, no matter how small the help. That way he can learn that even a very simple "thank you" is also very valuable.
In addition, instead of giving gifts in the form of objects or money when someone helps Mother, try to give an example for your little one of how to thank that person, either through sincere words or in return for help as well.
2. Spend quality time with children
Showing love is not only with material things, right? You can invite your little one to do fun activities together. For example, going on vacation, walking in the park, gardening, or cooking. This will also make your little one feel loved. how come.
3. Avoid promising rewards for children's success
Giving gifts to the little one is the decision of the mother and father. However, that does not mean he can be given everything he wants. Also, don't promise prizes too often as a reward for their achievements. Let your little one focus on the process and do their best not because of a gift.
4. Teach children about natural consequences
If you still often say, "If you don't study, you will confiscate it" WL you,” The little one didn't understand the real consequences. So start changing words like, "If you don't study, you won't get a good grade on your test."
5. Teach children to recognize the difference between needs and wants
Teach your little one to distinguish whether he needs or just wants an item. Help him understand which things should be prioritized and which are not. Of course, this must start with simple language and easy for him to understand, yes, Bun.
Materialistic nature is not a beautiful trait to look at. This trait can also injure the little one's social life later. If you feel your little one is showing a materialistic nature, don't be sad.
Creating or changing traits is easier to do as a child than as an adult. So while the child is still small, there is still an opportunity to improve his attitude. Start doing the ways above to prevent or improve his materialistic nature.
This business is not easy to do and requires patience. If you have difficulty dealing with or educating your little one, don't hesitate to ask a psychologist for advice, okay?