Gimmes

Tough Questions Kids Ask

November 2006: How Do You Cure the Gimmes?

Today's culture of instant gratification leads children to believe everything they want is available immediately. Living in an area afflicted with affluenza—the unconventional challenges faced by people raised in an affluent society—contributes to the problem. Lisa Jackson, in the March/April 2002 issue of Christian Parenting Today magazine asks, "How can we teach our children the difference between wants and needs when there is literally nothing they need that they don't already have? Is it possible to raise well-adjusted, godly children when they are surrounded by this sort of affluence and materialism?" Adults, too, are not immune. Most yearn for a bigger house or apartment, a nicer car, or the latest gadget.

Thankfully, strategies exist for diffusing the gimmes, or incessant whines of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" that sound when children are consumed with greed. Dr. Bill Maier of Focus on the Family suggests teaching gratitude as a countermeasure in that publication's February 2006 issue. Express thanks to God and others, he advises, encouraging children to follow your example.

Writing in the June 2005 issue of Parents magazine, Robin D. Stone proposes donating old clothes and toys to charity to offset the gimmes. Realizing how little others have helps young people to view their own glass as half full, being grateful for all they have, rather than half empty, dwelling on what is lacking. They may also experience the joy of giving, referred to in Acts 20:35, which cites Jesus' words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Another practical step parents can take is to give children a small weekly allowance. In her article entitled, "Teaching the Value of Money" which appeared in the September, 2000 issue of Parents magazine, Pamela Kramer recommends educating children about money, and then letting them manage their own funds. When children begin to understand the basics of costs and savings and to appreciate the difference between wants and needs, they may tone down their unreasonable requests. Janet Bodnar, author of "Dollars & Sense for Kids" adds, "If youngsters learn how to spend wisely and delay gratification, they will develop patience and planning skills in other aspects of their lives."

Finally, remind young ones of David's proclamation in 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 that all things belong to God: "Everything in heaven and
earth is yours...Wealth and honor come from you." Since everything has its origin in God, it must please him when we express thanks
for all the blessings he has chosen to share with us, rather than focusing on storing up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19).