Yesterday parker, eliza and i set off to outfit the kids for summer. On the drive in to victoria i was struck by the fact that my kids have really changed since we left the city - at least tristan and toby have. Parker and eliza were just babies when we moved - a few weeks old and two.
In the next month tristan, toby and eliza will turn nine, seven and five. I am constantly in awe of how time passes; the years fly by while the days, sometimes, drag on.
I have made a very conscious effort over the past two years to change my kids into non-consumers. To enjoy life and all that it offers without succumbing to the constant barrage of commercialism. It is easier to do that here. When we are bored we learn to be bored, or relaxed, without wandering over to a mall for entertainment. We go shopping when we need to instead of when we have the desire to. Tristan and toby have stopped asking for things. If they want something they save up for it or put it onto a birthday or christmas wish list. Even then they know to expect just a few things.
Although i often have the desire to lavish them with goodies (it has taken longer to change my habits - old dog, new tricks) i have noticed with some smug satisfaction that it is not them asking me for things, it's me asking me. I'm the one with the desire to see them wearing cute outfits from gap or gymboree. They are happy, happier, to wear hand-me-downs from special friends.
And when i come home with a bag full of new t-shirts, shorts and swimsuits they are filled with joy as they march around the house modeling their new wares. They appreciate every single thing.
Posted by Jess at 09:13 AM Permalink
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It IS so much easier when you live in a rural, or less consumer-oriented environment. And even if they do become more concerned with superficial stuff in middle school (hard to avoid), they'll remember their roots eventually and by the end of high school, you'll really see the fruits of your labors. Sweet post.
Posted by marian | May 12, 2006 10:37 AM