New tyrannical rule has taken our otherwise peaceful suburban home. . . this ridiculous notion called "character" and its all too ugly friend "integrity" nevermind the abhorred "gratitude" and "moderation". You can imagine the terror in which we live when nightmares such as these break loose in our home.
Alright enough with the drama of it all. I'm destined to be accused of being "soooo dramatic" by the 10yr old.
So I put a spending freeze on toys. At least a freeze on my wallet. I've set up a system by which Jordan can do daily tasks and even some extra chores in order to earn a small wage that he can then save for the purchase of toys - aka plastic joy. There was a seething greed and ungratefulness settling in our house and I'd just finally had enough.
There never seemed to be enough stuff. Each new toy only made the next new toy more necessary and urgent and any denial of this inalienable right to more stuff was met with outrage, deep sighs, and rolled eyes.
Enough was finally enough.
I can only hope that somewhere in here a little boy will learn the value of hard work, the importance of setting a goal and working towards it, and maybe even that "new" and "stuff" are ever elusive lovers. A fickle pair. Stuff will never be enough. And new lasts but a few minutes. Can you imagine really learning that at age 10? Well, no, neither can I, but imagine that one could .. . how much heartache would be spared? How much clamoring over senseless possessions, attention, and status could be sidestepped?
Jordan, on the other hand, is sure that I've lost my mind. After all, EVERYONE else already has a cell phone and their parents buy them WHATEVER they want.
It is a miserable little life he is forced to lead.
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2 comments:
i am fighting the cell phone demand here in IL. exactly why does an 11yr old boy who goes NOWHERE "need" a cell phone!?!??!!? and exactly how are we going to pay for this!??!? "you have money mom." you are not alone. we will begin paying michael for chores done in october; we want him to get used to his new schedule before adding something else to it. this should be interesting ... let us know how it goes!
ARGH!!! How is it going up there?
Birthday is this week and all the child wants is a dog and a cellphone. Neither of which he stands any chance of getting.
Such a cruel cruel world!
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