Teddyboy: Remember when going to McDonald’s was a big deal? As a kid, I got to go to Mickey D’s maybe 3 to 4x per month and, let me tell you, it was a big deal! I used to get real gleeped up about that, mainly due to the infrequency of going. My kids bug me about going there literally daily.
I also didn’t have a lot of toys growing up (mainly because of the emphasis on sports and outdoor activities) and I was taught to take care of the ones I did have.
Somewhere along the line, a divergence occurred, especially with kids and the values system. They have so many things and things are so easily acquired, that nothing really has value anymore. Sadly, the parents aren’t much better.
Not to sound overly simplistic, but much of what we’re seeing now is really just keeping up with the Joneses, both for the parents and the kids. Toys, toys, toys.
I’m a total Xbox junkie and I have to remind myself when I’m in Game Crazy with my son to practice some restraint and discretion. It ain’t fun, but I also remember the message I am sending to him when we’re there as well.
As a country and a society, I think we need a good swift kick in the pants. Perhaps this upcoming bust is it. Then again, probably not. We don’t seem very adept at picking up the message anymore.
