You are absolutely right that the difference is now kids feel ENTITLED to this stuff! It baffles me. That story about $28 shampoo epitomizes the issue.
I remember that when we moved into our neighborhood about 5 years ago, we were introduced to some neighbors and their 15-year-old son, and I said something like, “oh, great, it’s good to know that there’s a teenager in the neighborhood…maybe we can hire you to water our plants and pick up the mail when we go away.” This suggestion was met with complete silence and a blank stare, and when I looked back on the conversation, I felt so stupid and out of touch! I realized that this kid has no intention of ever doing a menial job like that, nor do many kids his age.
I hate to keep saying, “when I was a kid…”, but WHEN I WAS A KID, I would’ve tripped over both my sisters trying to get a job like bringing in the mail for the neighbors or watering plants. Anything like that was great for making a few easy bucks! This kid, who now at age 20 drives a new SUV (that mom and dad probably bought for him), still probably doesn’t stoop so low as to have some silly summer job, making his own money, and why would he when it’s handed to him by mom and dad, plus he can get whatever else he wants on his (or perhaps their) credit cards.
