When I was in grade school gym class, we had various races. These races resulted in clear first, second and third place winners.  Fast forward to this day and age and everyone gets participation awards.  You might ask, “why?”.  Well, it’s because we don’t want anyone to be upset because they didn’t get an award.  WHAT?  Does this mean that if you’re asked what 2+3 equals and you say 6, that you can’t be told that the answer is wrong because you might get your feelings hurt?  No because that would be ridiculous. 

Since when is it a parent’s responsibility to provide a new car for your graduating high school senior?  When I graduated from high school, I was not given a car and didn’t own my own car until I graduated from college.   And that car was used and bought with my own money.  GASP!!!  I didn’t and still don’t see anything wrong with that.  Instead, I applaud the fact that my parents expected me to earn and learn to buy items for myself. 

Are we making things so easy on our children that they can’t think very well for themselves?  Are we enabling them so much that we prevent them from learning about money and deprive them of the sense of achievement of making purchases on their own?  Are we doing them a disservice by coddling them and then releasing them out into the world with unreal expectations?  Do our actions prepare them for successful interactions with others in their chosen careers?

 As I look around, I wonder about these things.  I understand wanting to give your children more than you had when you were growing up but I also see the damage it’s doing.  A lot, not all, come to expect being taken care of into adulthood and not handle their finances well.  They have champagne tastes, live on beer money and expect their parents to supplement their lifestyle.  They don’t understand criticism and the first time their boss doesn’t think their idea is brilliant, they quit their job. 

This is something to think about.  I think it’s time to make some changes!