Comments on: Understanding and Conquering “the Wanting Mind”

By: Stacey

Stacey — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:35:56 +0000

Ken, just say no–to the child and the (presumably indulging) relatives (is Mommy one?) Suggest a 529 contribution or savings bond purchase when relatives ask for gift ideas, and rotate the toys so they “seem” new to your toddler. Then eventually sell or donate them.

“Play” food, a good wooden or electric train set, Lincoln Logs, a big jug of bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and yes, a pot/pan and wooden spoon, can be all most kids need to keep busy/happy. A dog wouldn’t hurt, either!

My boys are 8, 11, and 14 and we still are cell-phone and video game free. I’ll keep them unattached to the nonsense as long as I can. How can it be that a grown woman (me!!) didn’t have a cell phone until her thirties, but all these kids are transfixed and antisocial w/their phones/texting…Maybe test scores/reading ability/cognitive reasoning would all improve if parents acted in their kids’ best interests and just said “no”.

Start now my friend…You’ll reap the rewards for years…financial and otherwise. Think of all the room you’ll have in your home!

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:19:06 +0000

That’s the American way man.

By: Ken

Ken — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:52:57 +0000

My three year old behaves the same way. A good toy lasts about a week. Three rooms of our house have piles of untouched toys.

So you’re saying it’s never going to end.

By: clauduia

clauduia — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:48:45 +0000

You have clearly not conquered your Inner Spender.

By: Beth

Beth — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:11:36 +0000

I definitely agree with “STOP LOOKING for a replacement of what you currently have!” Too many people, myself included at times, look into the new cars, homes and other tangible items that we really don’t need.

Thought of the day…if people stopped doing that, would we be in as much financial trouble as we are (individually and otherwise)? I don’t think so.

By: Dave C.

Dave C. — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 02:27:13 +0000

I hear what you are saying, trying to wrestle with the pangs of gadget envy while managing a budget is pretty difficult for a geek like myself. I think at some point, we arrive at the level of discipline or will power that we have a capacity for – and I imagine how bad we want to ultimate outcome is important too.

Personally, I seem to have a absolutist streak in me, where I’ve given up certain things “forever”, and I actually feel pretty confident that I will hold to them. I haven’t had a hotdog going on like 3 years, and I really love hotdogs… hahah