Christine M. Field, a mother four children and the author of numerous parenting books, says she and her husband have a no-nonsense approach when their kids complain about not having something their friends have. They live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, where there is a mix of very wealthy and very average neighborhoods.
“Since we generally have less, our response in this situation is, ‘Deal with it,’” says Field, a former attorney who has written seven books including, Coming Home to Raise Your Children, Life Skills for Kids, and A Field Guide to Home Schooling.
However, Field says having less can be an opportunity to help motivate your child to achieve more.
“Challenge them to take on the task of making a better life for themselves and their children,” she advises.
