How Consumerism Undermines Your Child's Well-Being – and How to Fix It
Think of all the ways our homes reflect consumer culture: overflowing toy boxes, jam-packed drawers, gadget-filled garages. Unfortunately, too much focus on material possessions damages our well-being – and that of our children. Research has consistently shown that materialism is connected to a decrease in life satisfaction, happiness, vitality, and social cooperation, as well as "increased depression, anxiety, racism, and antisocial behavior." It also reflects a disregard for the environment.
Some argue that consumerism breeds narcissism and may be partially responsible for the recent drop in empathy. Advertising to children is big business and hard to avoid. The message being delivered to our kids is that consumer goods bring happiness. As parents, we have the power to counter and control this. Here's how…
–Jenny Friedman, Executive Director
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DGT has reviewed the studies on kids and consumerism. The advice from researchers on how to raise healthier, happier children closely mirrors the practices DGT has been proposing for years. These simple, actionable ideas will help your family live a life that aligns with your deepest values.
Happiness. Although "stuff" can feel like an easy way to create happy children –and show our love – other pursuits can bring longer-lasting joy. Also remember that overindulgence can lead to lifelong problems, including overeating and overspending.
Moderation. Research suggests that when parents focus on consumption and talk a lot about the importance of possessions, their child is more likely to be materialistic.
Limits. Advertisers spend billions per year marketing to children. Kids see more than 40,000 commercials annually on TV alone. This exposure leads to wanting more stuff and – researchers have discovered – to more parent-child conflict and unhappiness.<
Gratitude. One reason that materialistic people are less happy is that they lack gratitude. But (thankfully!) the reverse is also true. Practicing gratitude can reduce materialism.
Mindfulness. "You own twice as much rug if you're twice as aware of the rug," said poet and Buddhist thinker Allen Ginsberg. It's true. Practicing mindfulness can help you feel that what you have is enough.
Minimize. Consumerism can lead to more and more stuff. Studies show that the inevitable clutter is linked to procrastination, stress, and diminished productivity.<
Giving. Although it may feel counter-intuitive, the research is clear that giving makes us happier than getting.
Source: https://www.doinggoodtogether.org/dgt-newsletter/how-consumerism-undermines-childs-wellbeing#:~:text=Consumerism%20can%20lead%20to%20more,and%20experiences%20rather%20than%20things.
