From the author: An article for conscious parents who want to raise a sane child. For parents who understand that money management is an acquired skill that must be taught from childhood. I really love watching children, no matter what age. And in the process of observation, I discovered an interesting truth - we have a growing generation of consumers, and we are contributing to this with our own hands. In general, welcome to the world of reality. So, many of us grew up during the collapse of the USSR, so we remember the period of total deficit and averaging. You remember absolutely the same school uniform, the same diaries and notebooks, backpacks, etc.. Then everything was obtained through great connections, and the store shelves sparkled with pristine cleanliness. Now is a different time - stores are filled with a variety of goods in different price categories. Our children have a different time - they don’t know what a shortage is (despite the current situation, there is still an opportunity to buy everything they need, there is a choice), they see an abundance of goods and services. Now for them the main criterion for coolness is financial well-being and the ability to stand out. Now a girl in 4th grade demands a cool phone, she doesn’t need a phone for “call only”, she needs a cool and sophisticated one. And we must understand that all this is dictated by fashion - videos of favorite performers, films and TV series about golden youth. And our main mistake as parents is that, remembering our “deficit” childhood, we give our children everything that we were deprived of. That's why we don't skimp on 589 Barbie or Monster High and 967 car, a cool tablet. In this situation, children do not value the money earned by their parents, and do not even value fashionable things. They value the impression they make on others by becoming the owners of the above. When children's demands grow, parents begin to scold young people and their commodity-money relations. But if a child has been accustomed to this since childhood, it is stupid to expect him to understand the value of money in adulthood. Another side of the coin is that children often become objects of self-realization for parents. That is why a child in the 4th grade is bought boots for a very high price, and then it is so nice to note this fact among his friends. Let them know what good parents we are. And prestigious schools “for the rich” are also a measure of parents against each other. What to do in such a situation, if not to raise a consumer out of a child. After all, whether we like it or not, they watch TV and buy glossy magazines. I want to say that what is happening is neither your nor the child’s fault. This consumption of values ​​is a consequence of the established rules of the 21st century game to maintain demand for goods and services. This is how we are made to want to buy more and more, and therefore to thoughtlessly spend the money we earn. And only the one who can realize this and convey it to the child, instill in him other values, explain that if he wants to stand out among his peers, he must be able to count money, and not mindlessly show off new things, can win this battle. I would like to give you an example from my own life. My goddaughter is the daughter of very wealthy parents, a child who has all the possible toys. Choosing a gift for her is my headache. It was until recently. One day I gave her a knitted hare (my creation), and along with the gift I told her the story of how the toy was created, how important it is for the Bunny to be loved, and what a wonderful friend and protector he is. The gift is already 3 years old, it is a favorite toy with which nothing has happened. While the most expensive dolls have already lost their eyes, hair, arms and legs, or even life. And by this I want to say - our children are deprived of emotional intimacy and love, and if they receive it along with a gift, the gift becomes valuable. And yet, you need to communicate with children about money on an equal basis, and explain that an item purchased at a discount is an adult act that can help the family. Yes, it will be difficult at first, but if gradually?