Many high school students complain that they have friends who are really spoiled. Not just because their parents are rich but because they get whatever they want. No matter what the cost, their parents just hand over the plastic without blinking an eye. And, if there is a concern about the cost of an item, these teens throw temper tantrums until their parents give in. No 15-year-old "needs" a $400 purse. Surely Louis Vuitton replica handbags or Balenciaga replica handbags at discount prices will fulfill the same purpose. Instead of being concerned about spending responsibly, girls seem to be more interested in status and competing to get the most expensive clothes in order to impress others.
A lot of energy is spent as girls do everything possible to look wealthy. Many get weekly manicures, have their hair colored and spend hundreds of dollars at day spas. To top it off, they think they shouldn't have to lift a finger to deserve all this pampering. As much as our excessive society and the worship of celebrities are to blame, parents must be good financial role models for their children. If parents are constantly showering themselves with extravagant things like designer clothing and expensive cars, then children think they are entitled to that type of lifestyle as well, whether they can afford it or not. Instead, parents can show their children the value of a dollar, teach them to shop carefully and make them earn their spending money.
It can feel like a great accomplishment to find amazing clothes off the clearance racks, especially at the more expensive stores. Anyone can learn how to create their own style on a tight budget. Plenty of beautiful and fashionable items may be found at designer label discount stores. Spend money on accessories like belts and fashion jewelry instead of buying major pieces. It is simply wasteful to buy retail when everything ends up on sale eventually.
Parents must teach their children early on the difference between "needs" and "wants." Some savvy parents give a monthly allowance that children can spend at their own discretion on things like clothing, cell phones, gas and entertainment. However, when the money runs out, the kids are on their own. This is a good method of teaching how to budget one's money. Kids will quickly learn ways how to make their money go further. If they are really clever, they may even figure out how to have money left over and start a savings account or donate to a charity.
Encouraging teenagers to work part-time will help instill the concept of how much work it takes to earn just a few dollars. While children are too young to flip hamburgers, babysit or mow lawns, they can certainly help with chores around the house or do small errands for neighbors. Parents can discuss how money doesn't buy happiness. There are certainly plenty of current examples to draw upon in the newspapers and television. Also, it wouldn't hurt if children were taught some good old fashioned manners, kindness, respect and humility. We are too self-centered in our society and this is reflected in the rampant materialism and in how poorly people treat each other. It's time to get over being impressed with designer labels and focus on others instead of ourselves.
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