> So much of parenting is just being there as life happens.
It's easy in our consumerist, materialist culture for parents to become confused about this concept, and emphasize making sure that the life that happens for your child is as good as possible by providing them with luxuries like backyards and designer clothes and buying them the best toys and tech and clubs and sports and vacations. And when you even dip your toe into this danger by spending a bit more than you budgeted for at Christmas or for a birthday, you can become trapped into keeping up with your new neigbors (who are probably playing the same game you are) and feel forced to maintain a front of being just a few percent more wealthy than you are.
Not saying that it's smart, but it's happening all the time.
It's easy in our consumerist, materialist culture for parents to become confused about this concept, and emphasize making sure that the life that happens for your child is as good as possible by providing them with luxuries like backyards and designer clothes and buying them the best toys and tech and clubs and sports and vacations. And when you even dip your toe into this danger by spending a bit more than you budgeted for at Christmas or for a birthday, you can become trapped into keeping up with your new neigbors (who are probably playing the same game you are) and feel forced to maintain a front of being just a few percent more wealthy than you are.
Not saying that it's smart, but it's happening all the time.