Tips on how to discipline your child when begging to buy something

One should not get worry when their child might grow up to be materialistic or greedy. This behavior can be curbed when responded to and addressed correctly. Giving in never helps. It just sets a precedent for other situations. Once you give in, then your child knows he can manipulate you. When you give in, your child learns that the next time he wants something and can't get it, he just has to throw a tantrum. Here are some tips to teach your child that he cannot always get what he wants.

• Talk to your child. Calmly explain to your little one in simple words that money is valuable. That you have to earn it to be able to buy something; that parents work hard to earn money. In the same way, (your child) also has to work hard to get what he wants. This will help him learn to value money as well as be more industrious

• Bring your child to work. Let your child see what you do. You can tell him, "I do this so you can have food, so you can go to school, so I can give you gifts when you're well behaved."

• Expose him to other children. children who are exposed to playgrounds or go to school learn about ownership and possession because there are other kids they need to share the toys and books with. This teaches them the value of sharing and taking turns.

• Be a good example. Parents can explain this concept to their kids by acting it out or role playing. For example, Mommy can ask Daddy if she could borrow his cellphone for a minute and then return it afterwards. Act this out in front of your child so he can observe you.

• Teach the magic words of sharing and borrowing. Instead of just saying "May i borrow.." get your child involved by saying, "May we borrow your____, please?" Parents should also follow up this lesson with the idea of things we cannot share and why we cannot share these. This will strengthen and reinforce the concept of possession. Examples of things we cannot share are personal objects such as toothbrush, underwear, towels, etc. Because it is not hygienic to do so.

• Give your child a piggy bank or savings account. Aside from teaching him about the value of money, this is also a way for your child to discover what possession and ownership are all about. Remind him that the money he saves is his and that he should use his money for things he believes have value.

• Read books on sharing and ownership. Storybooks about sharing help teach the concept of ownership quite well. It helps your child understand that some things are "mine" and some are "yours"

• Come up with a wish list. This isn't an ordinary list of things your child might want, but rather a wish list of expectation to be able to receive the item as a reward (its a good way to let your child understand that things aren't always given freely, but that you have to work hard to get what you want. This can translate to a good work ethic in the future where your child will be aware that you have put in effort to gain something in return.