spoilt little girl

It could be said that many children grow up with only the basics such as food water Shelter and a few toys. Their development turns out quite well and a few items that they do have they enjoy for longer and they may even be better at using them because of it.

Nowadays it is extremely common for children to be spoilt. This is because mainly parents are busy with their own everyday lives on their phones using social media and instead of spending time with their family and entertaining their children they buy them anything that they want in the hopes that it’ll keep them happy.

Whilst spoiling your child could have some benefits for example buying them items such as a camera may develop their photo taking skills and could help them progress to be a professional photographer when they’re older or buying them a new bike

Will help teach them a skill that they will use to the rest of their life, whatever it is that you buy them it would likely have some benefits. The bad thing is that if you often buy them whatever they want they will expect it. This can cause many problems for you as a parent and your child is likely to have a tantrum demanding that you buy it for them and this will only make your life harder.

As your child continues to do this, they will then take that control, and want more. This is a definite thing that they will take into adulthood with them. Anyone who thinks I can get what they want all of the time has no boundaries and will stop at nothing to get what they want. This is not only not acceptable but it is unrealistic in the world that we live in.

Other problems with spoiling your children?

When friends and family offer to look after your children they will push their luck. If they have boundaries at home they will try and get what they want else were. I find my children ask for sweets, to stay up later, to have pudding after they haven’t eaten all of their dinner which they both know does not apply at home.

We do not allow sweets unless it is for a special occasion such as a wedding, kids party or a small handful with a film as a family. If it is not a school night they can stay up later as they don’t have to be up early, so this one does not bother us. But they will not receive any kind of sweet treat or pudding until they eat every bit of their dinners.

Setting them boundaries and keeping them in place for when they stay out is good, otherwise you will find your child acts spoilt and rude around others to get their own way.

As well as having a spoilt child it costs a lot of money to keep up with upgrading their toys, they will start to become unappreciative of the things they already have. Limit what they receive for birthdays and Christmas because experience in life is much better than spending all of your well-earned money on toys and materialistic things that end up being chucked to the bottom of the toy box.

My child is acting spoilt, what should I do?

Many new mums and dads, no matter how much income they have tend to buy their baby’s designer clothing. They see it is a good way to ‘fit in’ with the trend of other mums. But what they don’t realise is, your baby will be sick, they will have explosive poo’s, they will grow out of clothing so fast you won’t even have the chance for them to wear the same outfit 5 times. With designer clothing brands they charge an extortionate amount for such a small amount of cotton used.

My advice would be to go for the middleman, buy good quality clothing that will not rip or break after one use, but you do not need to get ‘named’ brands just because it’s the fashion. Another thing to consider is with newborns and older you get handed down plenty of clothes from friends, family and free sites.

Just because you don’t spend $20 on a designer tracksuit does not make you a bad parent. As long as your child has clothes on their back, your doing a good job. Advertisement on TV pressurises mothers and fathers to spend more on the same quality clothing as you can get for cheaper just because of a brand name. Don’t fall for it, be unique don’t do things to ‘fit in’.

Does it affect their confidence?

As your child gets older and becomes more aware of their fashion taste, this is when they can make their own choice in what they wear. Hand me down’s don’t always go well for teens, they will be outdated, discoloured and they may be embarrassed to wear them.

Allowing money for your child to buy their own clothes can be good for their confidence as they can choose an outfit that they feel confident in. At high school age teens tend to wear designer trainers, jackets and boots, remind your child that they do not have to copy everyone else and that they can have their own ideas without following a ‘trend’.

Getting your child to do chores to make their own money can be beneficial. It also keeps them busy and out of trouble, tidying their room, washing up, helping with dinner, hovering, doing the washing, putting things away.

Do Kids Need Lots Of Toys?

baby with lots of toys

In our household, I and my partner often debate whether the kids should have lots of toys, or whether they should have a small number of high-quality ones. Sadie often says that they can’t have enough toys. That the more they have to play with, the less likely they are to get bored. Whilst I believe that this is somewhat true.

I feel that instead of their room and our house, in general, being over flooded with toys that are in my opinion very average. I think that they should have a handful of great toys that offer more functionality. That way they are more likely to play with them. For example, instead of lots of little bits and pieces, they could have their own guitar.

Why is it better to have fewer toys?

According to recent studies, children who have fewer toys tend to play with each one for longer. It also helps them focus more clearly on that one toy. They should, however, have some variety if for example all of their toys are soft teddy bears, it’s likely that they will get extremely bored with them. A varied choice is always good, but in regard to quantity, it is one of those less is more scenarios. Although, that doesn’t mean you should go and throw out all of your kid’s toys. If they have a lot and you think that maybe they have outgrown them.

Then go ahead and think about getting rid of those old rattles that haven’t been played with since back when your child was a baby. When they were exploring with their mouths. If they can read well now, then you can get rid of those alphabet teaching books. The best thing to do is box them up and take to a charity shop or give them to another child who will enjoy them.

Toys vs technology

It’s also worth noting that nowadays children spend way too much time with technologies such as mobile phones, tablets, computer games and television. If your kids are interested in toys and they play with them all then go ahead and keep them.

It is better that they play with something real that they can get some use out of. Something that will improve their creativity, and learning instead of staring at a screen. Another great type of toy is the classic pen and paper, letting imaginations run wild which is entertaining for young children and adults alike.

If your children are not showing much attention to their toys and seem uninterested. I guarantee that if you sit down and start playing with the toys, your kids will quickly join in. Who knows, they may even take up your new approach to play. Can kids have too many toys? In my opinion, it is different for every child.

Think about yourself, what do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have lots of things that provide you with entertainment? Do you have a few things that you enjoy the most? Bearing in mind that you are an adult and have experienced a lot more from gadgets and toys than your child would have

Does A Toy Box Reduce Mess?

toy box with toys

Children can be extremely messy at times and we are partly to blame. We simply get them way too many things and too many toys! As far as storage solutions go, they don’t necessarily reduce mess, but they do reduce visual clutter. There are many debates in regards to whether a toy box can reduce mess or not, let’s explore them.

Yes, if your child has lots of toys that would otherwise be all over the floor. Technically, a toy box can reduce the mess. However, simply owning a toy box is not enough, you must ensure that you teach your child to put their toys away in the toy box after use.

Another thought is that if you are physically hiding the toys away so that they are not on display anymore. This could cause problems. For example, if you cannot see your child’s toys, you may be tempted to ‘buy them more. This could cause an overflow of toys. Excessively filling it to the brim for the new toys to simply end up all over the floor again.

Another point of view is that if you cannot see your children’s toys because they are away in the toy box. It’s likely that you will not go through them every so often to remove ones that they no longer play with. The old outdated ones will likely end up in the bottom and you won’t be going through them until there is a ‘too many toys crisis.’ Unfortunately, many of these solutions are not actually solutions at all.

This is because your child doesn’t actually need so many toys that you need a toy box. The fact of it is that in a lot of cases, less is more. And even studies show that the more toys that your child has the less they will play with each one. A toy box adds an extra element to the room that actually reduces space, and another problem is that some toys are not whole. Meaning there are sometimes 4 parts, 10 parts or more.

A good example of this could be jigsaw puzzles, building blocks, dolly accessories, etc. From experience. These types of toys end up being loose in the toy box and nearly always end up getting lost. Trust me, we have been there. You decide that you will group all of ‘these pieces together’ in some sort of nifty storage bag to then go into the toy box. Your child, however, is not so organised. They will likely not realise your idea or understand why you are doing it.

Should you buy a toy box?

You can, but I don’t think you should-unless, you are going to choose specific toys that are going to go in it for their development or use it specifically out of reach for on-hand activities/set. Instead of buying a toy box. You may want to consider just getting a cardboard box that is big enough for their toys. This will obviously save you money and it will work just as well.

Is Technology Bad For My Child?

children on phones

Is technology really bad?

It’s no surprise that the use of technology has increased, and will continue for many years to come. The truth is, that technology is incredible, how far we have come as a race, the things that have been accomplished, from the lightbulb, radio, tv, phones and now self-driving cars, but have we gone too far?

How much screen time is too much?

I admit I’m seriously addicted to my phone, mainly to scroll through the same social media page until something amuses me, which is rare. As a mother, I wish I wasn’t so into my phone. My daughter who is three-years-old asked for a phone for her birthday because she wants to be like her mummy! She will not have one until she is at least in high school, and that would be only so that I know she is safe walking or on her way home.

How to reduce technology exposure?

There are too many youngsters at the age of 2 and above that have tablets, iPods, iPads, that spend hours on end stuck to the TV watching repeated shows featuring repetitive adverts which is, in turn, preparing your child to become an adult consumer who feels the need to buy things in order to be happy. This makes me very sad because I don’t want the same fate for my children, I want to protect them from harm in any way that I can.

I feel that this can have serious effects on the child, such as speech delay, angry behaviour, addiction, poor sleep, poor social skills, and learning difficulties. This is because they’re purely focused on looking at a screen instead of living reality, which will, in turn, cause loneliness, anxiety, depression, it’s no wonder why mental health is always on the rise, increasing within each generation and it is simple why it has happened, but what can we do to change?

Your child and technology?

My advice would be to remove technology from your child altogether, any type of technology, it is not needed by your child, it will bring no good. You had a child, they are your responsibility, but it is some form of abuse to not give them the attention they deserve, technology may keep them happy for a little while, but it is extremely addictive, it is designed that way.

My opinion on technology for your child

It poisons your mind, filling it with dopamine, but in the real world offers no actual benefit, only harm. This isn’t to say that it cant is reintroduced in another form. For example, whilst letting your child watch TV or use a phone every day would be harmful to health.  Watching a film once a week as a family can be a fun activity that is minimal, limited and could actually be a time to bond together.

Only when they really need technology or are old enough to make decisions, should it be given to them. This means that we have to teach them, answer their questions with answers. We should take them for walks, swimming, parks, create some real memories.

Get out there and see this beautiful world that we live in. You might feel bad for taking it away from them but you have to be cruel to be kind. What do you think might benefit your child, if they are using a screen for over 2 hours? it doesn’t benefit them, not at all.

Unless they have come down with a sickness 48hr bug, we should have real-life fun. I remember being a little girl, getting home from school, watching only half an hour of cartoons, then I would be straight out with my buddies.

Playing knock-knock ginger – If you don’t know what that game is, its where you knock on someone’s front door and run away, quite a simple concept but very entertaining, but not for the homeowner! Truth or dare, and so the list goes on! Not once did I experience total silence, because my friends were all sitting around scrolling through their phones. Instead of actually engaging in actual human contact.

The impact of your child using technology?

Nowadays I can’t have a proper conversation with my friends because something more important will be on their screen. It really does depress me, and I wish my children could grow up without the addiction to phones, and computers. My childhood was and probably will be, the last generation that kids could play out. They would be in tucked into their beds with a few books.After a day out, with lots of play, walking, talking, and learning.

Only then in the evening will I allow my little ones to engage in a new film, once a week if that. I am not a perfect parent, none of us is, but we all want the best for our children. Everyone has imperfections. Just look at your little one next time they’re watching, playing, YouTube, games. Think about it, “Do they really need to be doing that all day? Could they help you do gardening, housework or learning something new? Even taking part in activities like drawing, painting, craft, etc.

How Much TV Should Kids Be Watching?

child watching tv

When I was younger I definitely spent way too much time every day in front of the TV. I watched lots of films, TV programmes and played lots of games for hours on end. Now as an adult, I have realised that I had wasted a lot of time. Mainly because I could have been something else that could have taught me something new. A problem is that it is not clear for parents to know how much television their kids should be watching.

The time in front of the TV was indeed wasted. The main problem is that it took me years until I had grown out of playing games to realise that it was a waste. Besides most game nowadays is so addictive and even try to entice people to spend money. In today’s world, its not just television that is an issue but screen time overall. I see kids spending all day attached to their phones. And this has been linked to low self-esteem, poor health due to lack of exercise and in some cases even depression.

If you can limit your child’s intake of screen time you should. I would recommend, no longer than 2 hours per day and whilst even this is a lot. It would reduce the risks of any harmful side effects. Besides, there is much more to see outside in the real world than to be stuck in watching a fantasy false reality on a screen.

How to encourage less television?

walking in the woods with children

The best way to limit your kids’ screen time is to leave the mobile at home and go out for the day. Explore a new hobby that they could take up and try to be a good role model. If you look at the phone a lot or spend all of your free time watching television, chances are that they will copy you. To help encourage them you may need to make some changes yourself.

The best things for kids to watch on TV?

We have already discussed how much TV children should be watching, and why it is important to keep sessions to a minimal. By using it as a tool for family bonding over a film, and not just leaving it on all day.

There are other things to watch that could actually be beneficial for children. Cartoon based programmes appeal to kids due to the vibrant colours but they don’t actually offer your child much other than an augmented reality story. Things usually happen in a sci-fi non-realistic way instead of how they actually appear in the real world.

Alternatively, educational based documentaries are very good for kids. It teaches them some facts about the real world, thus opening their mind. It will teach them the actual information that they can use in conversation and give them a basic understanding of the specific topic. Take the series ‘planet earth for example. It’s available on Netflix and when I put it on for my two young children, they become hooked to the screen as exotic animals such as monkeys, penguins, walruses, and leopards make their appearances!

Not only can they learn a lot from it, but it is also interesting for adults. This particular series teaches your child a lot about the future of our planet, the current problems with it and in a simplistic form of how the food chain works amongst all animals.

Not only this documentary is good, but there are many interesting ones. My children love to watch chef-based programmes with someone spending time in the kitchen cooking a dish. It even inspires them to the point where they say ‘dad, can we make that? What a great opportunity to create! This is evident that the TV despite its bad wrap can be beneficial in an educational way. I would say though that as soon as your children can read well, they should transition over to books as it is a better way to retain information and does not come with as many negatives.

What Age Should My Child Have A Phone?

In the modern world, technology has a significant impact on the lives of everyone, no matter their age or demographic. In particular, the use of phones. Statistics now show that around 96% of all adults in the US have a mobile phone, with 95% of 16-24-year olds owning a smartphone in the UK.

Whilst phones have many uses, and in many ways, can make daily life easier, there is significant debate as to what age your child should be given their first mobile phone.

Some people believe that giving your child a phone at an early age will allow them to better communicate with their friends. While at the same time others believe that phones can quickly become a distraction. In the long term doing more damage than good, especially if the phone is given to them too early.

Dangers of mobile phones for children?

It is not uncommon for children as young as 6 to have phones, with phones now having a greater impact on people than ever before. However, using a phone at such a young age has shown to have a number of negative impacts. Firstly, using a phone from a young age has shown to damage the cognitive development of your child.

By using a phone, your child may suffer from a reduced attention span. This can significantly reduce the rate at which they are able to learn inside and out of school. Additionally, using a phone can also have an impact on the social development of your child. It has been scientifically proven that social skills are learnt face to face, which means that your child must engage with others in order to develop such skills.

By using their phone, they will struggle to develop such skills. Which can in the long term, cause difficulty for your child in a number of social situations. Not to mention, that children have a higher sensitivity to the types of radiation that they are then exposed to at a young age.

When should your child have a mobile phone?

In general, statistics have shown that the average age for a child receiving their first phone is 10.3 years old. On average, parents decide to give their children a phone once they start secondary school for the first time.

At this age, your child will use their phone as a means of communication with you. However, they can also use it to make friends and talk to them outside of school. However, many scientists suggested that using a non-smart phone is best for this purpose. From the age of 10-16, your child is still developing and learning skills that they will use in later life.

Many studies have shown that children who become addicted to their phones in secondary school have shown higher symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide.

From all of the research regarding phones. We can suggest that the best time to give your child their first phone should be around 10 to 11. This is the time in which they go to secondary school.

However, at this age. It would be best to provide your child with a basic phone for use at school and maybe allow them to use a smartphone when at home. This will allow them to develop the necessary skills they need from both a cognitive and a social point of view. Whilst at the same time allow them to use a phone to talk to their friends outside of school hours.

Up next: How to teach your kid to tie shoes

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