Why Are American Kids So Spoiled?

[Jaxson]

Why do we indulge our children?  As a member of Generation X, I believe that I grew up among children who were born into consumer culture.  It was not 'acceptable' to simply want a pair of running shoes, we eventually wanted the brand name shoe that was the flavor of the month or year.  Our parents often gave in to our wishes because they were either feeling guilt about not spending more time with their latchkey children or they were feeling guilt over divorce and the way it broke their children's lives.  We grew up associating parenthood with being not just a provider of food, shelter and clothing, but of an entire lifestyle that revolves around the latest fashion, the coolest video game console, the best snack foods, etc.  Ridicule and bullying face down children who try to cut corners in this desperate attempt to fit in and gain acceptance.  Today's parents are merely keeping up (or trying to keep up) with the materialistic game that our children play with higher, more expensive stakes. 

[sandyshoes]

Yes!!! Now we're cookin' with gas.  Materialistic consumerism - the rat race - keeping up with the Joneses, whatever you want to call it.  It's sad that kids don't know any different.  And interesting that every time I hear someone older pining for the good old days, it's because they were a simpler, more basic time.  I'm not saying we should turn off our intellects and not advance, but I wonder what life would be like if people gave themselves permission to get off the treadmill.  I know I'm using too many catch-phrases, and I apologize, but I really don't know how else to say things.  Hoping the catch-phrases will jog emotion in the reader, I suppose.  I mean, short of washing clothes in a creek in the back yard, why can't we slow down a little and appreciate LIFE more?   It gets shorter every day.