Quote From: stratisfThere must really be a lot of lonely and miserable people out there trying to fill themselves up with all of this stuff. Where did they learn this behavior? Didn't we all grow up watching Sesame Street and Disney Movies and so forth which teaches us to be kind and to share and all of those good warm and fuzzy American values? I didn't, but don't a lot of people grow up going to religious services and so forth which teach them to be giving to others, to be humble, and to value goodness above all material things? Weren't some of these kids boy scouts or girl scouts and had to rough it in the woods and learn to find their inner strengths rather than show off the latest trends?
When did everyone's values shift so dramatically? Why can't people find happiness in simple things anymore? Where did this come from?
I am soooo,. glad I had the parents I did. My mom was a stay at home mom and my dad was semi- retired when i came a long(I was a late in life baby)My dad would be 87 if he were still around. I didn't have many years with him,he died when I was 16 but, the time I had was quality and I learned SO MUCH. The value of a buck for instance.
He told me stories of the Depression and how he had to wear his sister's hand me downs, cut and resewn into shirts and pants and how they tied thier soles on when their shoes started coming apart. But, they had enough to eat 'cause they raised their own goats, and chickens and grew a garden.And they always shared what they had.
I grew up with hand me downs and Good will and buying with coupons , rebates and on sale. I also grew up with family vacations every other year to Fla. (to see the mouse) among other more educational things. Dad always gave me a choice, vacation or a computer. The vacation won hands down everytime. Still would I believe. I think too many people focus on giving their kids THINGS instead of giving their children themselves and experiences they'll never forget. When I was 16 (before my dad died) I found out I'd been approved to go on a foreign exchange trip to Scotland - for the following year. My dad said they'd pay for most of the fees but I had to come up with some of it and my spending money. I cleaned alot of houses and did other odd jobs and I'll savor those memories.
Too many parents think they'll deprive their kids if they can't give them things but you appreciate things alot more when you've actually worked for them.
