Children's whims: what to do and what not to do

First and foremost, it is essential to understand that it is normal for children to have whims and desires. They are still developing and learning what they like and dislike. Plus, with the abundance of commercial advertisements and the impact of social media, children are enticed to crave the latest gadgets, toys, and fashion trends. Therefore, don’t be surprised if your child has a never-ending list of wants.

Now, let’s discuss what you should do when your child’s desire escalates into a full-blown whim.

– Listen actively: When your child brings up a new desire, it is important to listen actively to what they are saying. Try to understand why they think they need that item, and how much it means to them. This will give you valuable insights into your child’s psyche and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed.
– Educate them: Explain to your child why you cannot always cater to their every whim. Teach them that life is not just about fulfilling desires but about understanding the value of hard work, saving up for things they desire and learning to be content with what they have.
– Prioritize: If your child has a long list of desires, prioritize them based on their needs and priorities. For instance, if your child needs a new dress for a wedding, it takes precedence over a new toy.
– Set boundaries and rules: It is important to set specific boundaries and rules around fulfilling whims. For example, you can tell them that you will consider purchasing their desired item only if they maintain good grades, finish their homework, and complete their chores.
– Be Consistent: Enforce the rules and standards that you set, and remain consistent with them. This will help your child understand that the rules are non-negotiable, and the consequences of breaking them are consistent.
– Celebrate their achievements: Celebrate your child’s achievements, and reward them for their hard work and efforts. This will incentivize them to work towards their goals and desires and give them a sense of accomplishment.

On the other hand, there are also some things that you should not do when handling your child’s whims.

– Don’t give in to every desire: Children must understand that they cannot have everything they want. Giving in to every desire will spoil them and send a message that they can get whatever they want when they want it.
– Don’t compare with other children: Avoid comparing your child’s whims with their peers. Children should not feel pressure to keep up with their peers regarding acquiring things. Every child is unique and has different needs and desires.
– Don’t use bribery as the go-to technique: While it is okay to treat your child once in a while, relying on bribes to fulfill whims can lead to an unhealthy relationship, and it won’t teach them the value of working towards their desires.
– Don’t let their whims dictate your lifestyle or finances: Ensure that your child’s whims do not end up dictating your lifestyle or finances. Be clear about your family budget policies, and involve them in the decision-making process.

In conclusion, every child has whims, and it’s essential to handle them correctly. Listening actively, educating them, prioritizing their desires, setting boundaries, celebrating successes, remaining consistent, and sticking to your finances are all vital. Don’t spoil your child, and avoid comparing them to other children. Teach them the value of hard work and show them how to delay gratification. Remember, your role as a parent is to raise them to be responsible adults, and to do that, you need to have a healthy balance of fulfilling and not fulfilling their desires.