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Commerical Crazy World but Kids Want Time

by Sandra Williams

Mother and daughter: Scott LiddellWith the holidays coming up commercials are kicking into high gear with a massive assault on our children. It ticks me off how advertisers start aggressively targeting children at young ages. It’s up to us to do our best to protect them because children don’t have the same capacity to make choices that we do. They are more vulnerable to manipulation tactics from not only their peers but also marketers.

Children don’t need a constant flurry of planned structured expensive activities. Simple things like cooking, nature hikes, board games, cards, reading, music and dancing can be done at home or outside and these things create wonderful memories for kids. I will always treasure memories I have of my Grandma. She was always there to teach us how to play games, bake cookies, listen to new music, have outdoor picnics, help us with our homework etc. I can’t remember what she usually gave us for Christmas but I do remember the time spent together and that is what meant the most. My fondest memories of our family’s time together include going for walks and ice cream, singing carols, cooking, and sharing meals together.

At the Center of a New American Dream they conducted an essay and art contest for young people titled “What I really want that money can’t buy.” Erika C. won the winning essay and this is part of what she had to say. “Things are great, but what I really want is their time. What my friends really want is their parents’ time. Maybe go for a walk, and talk. Maybe a bike ride and a lecture talk about money. If you just do stuff together and smile, I will know you love me.” See the New American Dream’s contest page for more.

The New American Dream has a booklet on how to raise healthy children in a commercial culture you might be interested in. “Tips for Parenting in a Commercial Culture”


Posted in General on November 10th, 2007

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