i've been thinking lots about this quote i've read on my sister's blog...

"In our day, many children grow up with distorted values because we as parents overindulge them. Whether you are well-to-do or, like most of us, of more modest means, we as parents often attempt to provide children with almost everything they want, thus taking away from them the blessing of anticipating, of longing for something they do not have. One of the most important things we can teach our children is to deny themselves. Instant gratification generally makes for weak people. How many truly great individuals do you know who never had to struggle?"

--Joe J Christensen

i have tried very hard to not overindulge my children.

i am not a perfect parent,

and i'm sure i don't do near the job that they did in the "old days",

at least in terms of overindulging.

i try to make fun for my kids,

but i'm not buying them stuff all the time.

so, i'm a little confused about how my kids have been acting lately.

they ask for everything ALL the time.

they always want me to buy them things.

it seems strange.

don't they know by now what my answer is going to be?

i do feel guilty at times,

but i'm certain i don't want to take away their anticipation for things.

i am also wondering when they will get it that i DON'T like mcdonalds,

and that is one of the last things i will overindulge them with?

any helpful suggestions on finding the right balance of giving your child the world without overindulging them?

kind of a contradiction it seems at times?

please help!