The indulgence trap is a tricky one to escape. When you've gotten into it, you can expect a lot of whining and pouting while you climb out. Be firm, but gentle; and teach your child as you go along.
Reclaim Your Parent Power
Bask in your newfound ability to say 'no' to your child. Enjoy the feeling of power that is rightfully yours as the parent in the family. Wield your super-parent powers for the good of the family. You are Mom! You are invincible! Well, you know what I mean. It feels good to be a parent, not a doormat or an ATM machine.
A Little Reality Goes A Long Way
Find opportunities to teach your child the value of money. Give an allowance or institute a chore reward system. If you child wants a new toy, then he must earn some or all of the money to buy it. If she wants a special privilege or activity, she must earn it through extra effort or excellent behavior.
Banish Guilt
You've got to be strong to stand up to those sweet, adoring eyes looking up at you begging for an iPod like everyone else in the first grade. That means get over the guilt that drives you to overindulge your child. Make a concentrated effort to replace the material and other indulgences you give your child for more family time or a more realistic view of what is important in life. Don't trade the guilt that leads you to indulge your child for the guilt you will feel when she becomes a little tyrant. Indulgence is a trap that you will thoroughly enjoy escaping.
First > What is an Indulgence Trap
