Final Project - How to help children combat consumerism

I’ve truly enjoyed exploring the theme of minimalism in pop culture on my blog this semester. For my final project, I want to delve into the profound impact of consumerism on mental health. This encompasses the relentless barrage of advertisements, the overwhelming array of products available at the click of a button, and the clutter they bring into our lives.

Recently, my 16-year-old son downloaded Amazon onto his cellphone without my permission (a tale for another time). Since then, we’ve had more than five packages delivered to our house. This unexpected behavior has left me pondering, realizing it’s my duty to impart lessons on intentional and purposeful purchasing to him. Chapter 1 of Signs of Life states that we are, "In a cultural system where our identities are displayed in the products we buy," (Solomon, 74). Consumerism seeps into our children’s lives early, just as it did ours. However, with the advent of technology and digital transactions, making purchases has become effortless, requiring little thought.

Whether it’s in the grocery store aisle where your child spots a toy or treat they desire, or influenced by a friend who possesses something they lack, the allure of consumption is omnipresent. The concern isn’t just about the immediate gratification it offers; it’s about the lasting habits it breeds, which can have detrimental effects on mental well-being and relationships.

Overconsumption leads to a skewed work-life balance, challenges in identity formation, and fosters addictive tendencies. According to Psychology Today, “Research has consistently shown that materialism is connected to a decrease in life satisfaction, happiness, vitality, and social cooperation, as well as increased depression, anxiety, racism, and antisocial behavior."

Managing the allure of instant gratification is a struggle many adults face, and children and youth, with their still-developing self-regulation skills, are even more susceptible. It’s paramount that we address these concerns early on to prevent negative habits from taking root in our youth.

In my quest for this final post, I stumbled upon five key areas where we can guide our children toward better habits, leading to a mor fulfilling life while also tackling consumerism. I’ve already started chatting about these ideas with my kids, and you know what? Frequent talks can turn those good intentions into solid habits.

Family Fun! - Hiking in Milcreek Canyon, Utah

First up, let’s amp up the family bonding time. Doing Good Together states, “Although "stuff" can feel like an easy way to create happy children – and show our love – other pursuits can bring longer-lasting joy.” Whether it’s hiking, shooting hoops, getting lost in a book, or pitching in for community projects, quality time together rocks! My personal favorite? Summer camping trips, where the lack of phone service forces us all into face-to-face interactions. As families bond, relationships blossom.

Spending Restraint

Next, let’s show some self-restraint in the spending department. We’re the role models, after all. Before hitting that ‘buy now’ button, I play a little game with myself: “Want or need?” If it’s a need (like groceries or socks), sure, I’ll go for it. But if it’s a mere want (like that tempting candy bar or flashy bike), it goes in the virtual cart timeout for a week. You’d be surprised how often I change my mind! If it helps, show your kiddos this video, Needs vs. Wants, on YouTube helping differentiate between the two.

Watch out for Advertisements

Third, let’s curb the ad overload. As American Academy of Pediatrics points out, “Young people view more than 40,000 ads per year on television alone and increasingly are being exposed to advertising on the Internet, in magazines, and in schools.” Remember those relentless cereal and toy commercials from our childhood? With streaming, those are mostly a thing of the past, thank goodness! But ads sneak in through other channels, like online banners or product placements. It’s crucial we educate our kids about the smoke and mirrors of advertising. Take it from my experience with those moon shoes­­­- I was expecting moonwalking, ended up earthbound disappointment. Lesson learned!

Clean up, Clean up, Everybody do Your Share!

Now, let’s talk about tidying up. No, we’re not pushing for a Marie Kondo-level purge here. But simplifying their space can work wonders for our kids’ peace of mind. Out with the clothes that don’t fit or spark joy, and the toys gathering dust. Donating these items not only declutters but also teaches the joy of giving back.

                                            

Experiences -Taking my daughter to the Reptile Zoo in Boise, Idaho

Lastly, let’s shift the focus from stuff to experiences. Instead of piling on more material gifts during birthdays or holidays, let’s fit moments and memories. Whether it’s a special outing or a day of volunteering, these experiences enrich our lives in ways possessions can’t.

More experiences: BSU Football with my boys

So, there you have it- five playful steps to guide our kids toward a happier, healthier relationship with stuff and with life itself!

In conclusion, by infusing a bit of fun and creativity into our approach, we can steer our kids away from the pitfalls of consumerism and towards a more meaningful existence. From family adventures to savvy spending strategies, from taming the ad frenzy to embracing the joy of giving, these simple steps can pack a powerful punch. So, let’s embark on this delightful journey together, weaving laughter, learning, and love into every step along the way. After all, life’s too short for clutter and chaos- let’s make room for what truly matters: joy, connection, and a sprinkle of whimsy. Here’s to raising little humans who are not just consumers, but creators of their own vibrant, fulfilling world!

Works Cited

Communications, Committee on. “Children, Adolescents, and Advertising.” American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1 Dec. 2006, publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/118/6/2563/69735/Children-Adolescents-and-Advertising?autologincheck=redirected.

Francis, Jacinta. “Raising Non-Materialistic Children in a Material World.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 28 Nov. 2013, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-the-neighborhood/201311/raising-non-materialistic-children-in-material-world.

Friedman, Jenny. “How Consumerism Undermines Your Child’s Well-Being – and How to Fix It.” Doing Good TogetherTM, Doing Good TogetherTM, 20 June 2019, www.doinggoodtogether.org/dgt-newsletter/how-consumerism-undermines-childs-wellbeing#:~:text=Unfortunately%2C%20too%20much%20focus%20on%20material%20possessions%20damages,%22%20increased%20depression%2C%20anxiety%2C%20racism%2C%20and%20antisocial%20behavior.%22.

Maasik, Sonia, and J. Fisher Solomon. Signs of Life in the U.S.A.: Readings on Popular Culture for Writers. Bedford/St. Martin’s, Macmillan Learning, 2021.

“Needs versus Wants - Getwise | ASB.” YouTube, YouTube, 1 July 2014, www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8P3sCooGg0.