Happy Families are Thrifty Families
Monday, December 15, 2008
I seriously think that people today are overspending because they are overcompensating to off set bad feelings.
I know this is the case of one single parent I used to know. Being away from two children at night was a drag. But the amount and variety the things that the two kids had were unbelieveable. This person was trying to keep expenses down because of the divorce proceedings, but videos lined the hallways; dolls, cars, and clothes spilled out of the closets. The bathroom was filled with toys that they had during bath time. This parent wasn't a slob, but the house was looked like someone with disposophobia.
Some of the toys were still in the boxes. By the time they all returned home, the two kids were too tired to enjoy the toys.
The kids did not understand why the one parent did not want to be with them anymore. They were told that they were the best kids in the world to be left on the back burner. They were hurting and their everyday routine was in upheaval. They were no longer returning to a home where at least one parent was always waiting for them; they were having to go to a baby sitter's or family relatives. They did not complain but this one parent felt guilty because of the unfair situation.
So this parent was buying them a toy or DVD when they worked nights, which was quite frequently. He or she felt they kids needed to be rewarded. The kids were not asking for the rewards, but to offset the bad feeling for the kids this parent would buy the extras. In truth, there could have been less financial stress if the parent could get over his or her own negative feelings.
I can't help but think that this is the case with many people. They really don't see the reality anymore; it has turned into a nightmare. Some people may seem happy or successful, but becuase of their child hood, they have learned to fill the empty spot with things. Things cost money. Things cost stress. But things are added because that is all they have learned.
What I am trying to say is that all overspending is not trying to keep up with the Jones.
I really don't think many people see how profitable it is to have a good family structure for everyone involved. It is a part of society that is a society of its own that needs to be protected. It is where family values that help actual monetary values are taught.
GO HAPPY FAMILIES!!! FIGHT!!!
I seriously don't think the Duggers are strange. They are respectable people. I am not saying that everyone should have a dozen plus children. But that family is happy and they are not in financial trouble. I think happy families are naturally thrifty families.
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