Children, defenseless victims of consumerism: we learn to protect them from false needs and our materialism

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A study reveals the consequences on children of consumerism that can cause them significant psychological disturbances. Fortunately, we can change this trend.


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Is your teenage son or daughter constantly asking for money to buy expensive clothes, shoes, phones and gadgets? Last December, your child wrote a cute letter to Santa with a slew of requests for ephemeral and very expensive plastic toys?




Not surprisingly, because, bombarded by advertising and also by the example of the older ones, children are easy prey to consumerism. Yet the desire for and obtaining all these objects could severely undermine the well-being of children. The good news is that we can still change this culture in our family.

Index

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Boxes overflowing with unused toys, refrigerators crammed with food we won't be able to eat, closets cluttered with clothes we don't use, cellars and garages full of abandoned items. Yet we continue to buy, buy and are never satisfied. The incessant requests of the children stun us and in the end we end up "spoiling them", despite ourselves, believing to make them happy. Yet this vicious circle, rather than creating true happiness and well-being, is a harbinger of dissatisfaction in the short and long term. Also, our homes are full of useless things and our wallets almost empty! Not to mention the enormous damage that is inflicted on the environment both for the production and for the disposal of these products. (Read also: Relational consumerism: why we love things and use people)


Studies have shown that disproportionate attention to material possessions harms our well-being and that of our children. According to the research, materialism involves dissatisfaction, unhappiness, a decrease in vitality and social cooperation, as well as psychic pathologies, such as depression and anxiety, and little empathy towards others. Those who are too attached to material possessions and project a lot of importance to possessing material objects are more likely to have antisocial and even racist behavior.


Other studies show that consumerism may be the cause of increased narcissism among young people and the recent decline in empathy.

How to raise less consumerist children

Fortunately, things are changing a bit and the new sensitivity towards the environment could be an important lever for everyone. The same research shows that this trend can be steered and we parents have the power!


First we have to pay attention to how we behave. Are we inclined to buy too much or are we fashion victims? How do we talk about money and others in front of our children? In fact, example is the first weapon to influence their behavior.

If your child screams like crazy in front of everyone at the toy store, grocery store, or fridge, remember that you are not doing him a big favor by pleasing him. Indeed, too much permissiveness can lead to life-long problems such as an unbalanced diet or the inability to manage money.

The happiness of doing together

The concept of happiness must be disconnected from possessing and consuming. We need to shift our attention to activities that bring truer and more lasting joy.

Then it is better to dedicate time to activities to do with the family: being together outdoors, doing creative activities, dedicating themselves to volunteering together, spending time with friends or reading. For many children, spending quality time with their parents is the real treat!

Moderation

Pay attention to the way we talk about money and the things we want. This is why it works to show moderation in shopping and talk more about the pleasure that comes from sharing moments with friends or family.

Limit exposure to advertising

On TV advertising for children is continuous and aggressive. So try to limit it as much as possible, using apps or streaming programs. It also explains what the goal of advertising is and the great power it has, which we must not be subjected to.

Educating to the gift

Research shows that giving gives more happiness than receiving. Teach children to donate their toys they no longer use or clothes that have become tight.


Recycle and buy second hand

Organize toy and used clothes exchange markets with your friends. Or start buying second-hand, with new apps you get big deals and often the toys are almost new.

Educating in gratitude

Educate them to appreciate what they have and what they get from others. Not only about material things but also about health, family, friends, nature and the good fortune of living in a country free from wars and the exploitation of child labor. Every day at the table you can talk about something that has happened that you are particularly grateful for.

Speaking, reading and mindfulness

Even in childhood, we need to talk about how money is earned and how it is spent. Of the fact that sometimes we have to give up something because it is not within our budget. It is also good for them to learn to distinguish between desire and need.

Talking about the environmental impact of the things we buy, the plastic toys or the food we waste. Children are very sensitive to these aspects and would certainly understand!

There are also many books that emphasize generosity, gratitude and the art of appreciating what we have.

Mindfulness has also been shown to be very effective in reducing materialism. Living the present intensely makes you appreciate more what you have and projects less importance towards what you don't have and towards the future.

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