Nowadays it seems the more children have, the more they want, be it the latest trainers to MP3 players.
The majority of adults in the UK think childrens' well-being is being compromised by commercial pressures, according to the charity The Children’s Society.
Liz Fraser, a parenting expert is now offering advice on dealing with the consumerism she believes is taking away youngsters' childhood.
Her new book, A Spoonful Of Sugar, contains practical and modern tips adapted from old-fashioned parenting values she picked up from her gran, 85-year-old Kitty.
Liz says: “The book was born out of the question parents are constantly asking: Where, when and why did it all go so wrong? As a mum, I wanted to know what over-indulgence was doing to children. From jigsaw puzzles to the latest electronic gadgets – most kids have more toys than they could ever play with. Let’s hope the credit crunch may have a positive effect by slowing down on the toy explosion. But the true cure is free. It’s called restraint.”
Liz and her gran Kitty give their top tips to help avoid crumbling under the pressure of 'pester power'.Mum's Tips1. THIS year’s must-have toy is next year’s reject. Stand firm against pleas for a month and your child probably won’t want it any more.
2. EXPENSIVE does not mean better. Cheap toys can be just as much fun.
3. GIVE kids extra time and attention. This can really reduce demands for things.
4. ACKNOWLEDGE the strength of their desires – “Yes, that does look brilliant” – while preparing them for possible disappointment – “but you know you won’t be able to have everything you want.”
5. EXPLAIN to older children how advertisements work. Help them understand saying NO is empowering.
6. TALK to children about the cost of items so they understand the value of money.
7. RECYCLE old toys by taking them to a charity shop, sell them or find websites that reuse things, such as Gumtree and Freecycle.
8. MAKE something – Blue Peter was my inspiration but other TV shows and magazines offer fantastic ideas.
9. ROTATE toys by putting some away for six months. When you bring them out again your children will play with them like a new toy.
10. KEEP the numbers down. Give them a couple of games, a few toys and books. They will soon forget their other toys.
11. SURPRISE your kids. An unexpected treat has a bigger impact.Granny's tips1. SHARE or swap toys with friends.
2. DO NOT buy something if you do not need it. Join a toy library. Your kids can borrow a variety of toys and then give them back.
3. LOOK after toys and pack away the best ones for your future grandchildren...
4. TAKE unwanted toys to car boot sales.
5. BE firm and consistent when saying no.
6. LET them use their imaginations for entertainment.
7. LESS is more – they do not need every toy in the shop!
8. DO not buy what you cannot afford.
July 09
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar
