Do you remember when you were little and you wished for so many things?  Childhood is a wish-filled time of life because kids are fairly powerless over their worlds.  No wonder they test the limits of their power with bad behavior!  Our kids just want to feel empowered.  But how much is too much? 

 

First, ask yourself how YOU make your own wishes come true.  For me, its with hard work and perseverance.  We have to begin to teach our kids how the world works.  Rather than giving in to them and serving their every wish on a silver platter, how can we teach them a lesson closer to how real life works?

 

When your kids make a wish, or express a want, ask them "what can you do to make that happen?" Be of support and a mentor to help them brainstorm different ideas that will enable them to make their own dreams come true. 

 

It's ok to delay their gratification and to let them live without that perfect toy.  Our kids will appreciate their things much more when they have waited for them or, even better, when they have earned them!