My little guy wants to be rich

[Poddi]

My 8 year old really wants to be rich. Somehow I find that a little worrying. I understand it's not a bad aspiration, but I'm so worried he'll end up disappointed and be unhappy with what he's got.

To be honest I want to be rich, too. Who doesn't? But I'm very happy with what we've got and don't want a bigger house or fancier car or anything. So far he seems to be very intelligent and good with managing his pocket money. When he was 3 we gave him $5 to spend by himself. He bought a cheap little book, a candy bar and saved the rest in his piggy bank. He loves playing monopoly and has invented some get rich games to play with his best friends.

I trust that someday he'll be making decent income and possibly be quite successful, but what if he's not? I don't want him to be the type who always want bigger, better and more. I don't want the desire for material goods to ruin his perfectly fine and normal life. How do I guide him so he can be content with what he has, yet still work hard to achieve goals?

[lonegirl]

Originally Posted by Poddi

My 8 year old really wants to be rich. Somehow I find that a little worrying. I understand it's not a bad aspiration, but I'm so worried he'll end up disappointed and be unhappy with what he's got.

To be honest I want to be rich, too. Who doesn't? But I'm very happy with what we've got and don't want a bigger house or fancier car or anything. So far he seems to be very intelligent and good with managing his pocket money. When he was 3 we gave him $5 to spend by himself. He bought a cheap little book, a candy bar and saved the rest in his piggy bank. He loves playing monopoly and has invented some get rich games to play with his best friends.

I trust that someday he'll be making decent income and possibly be quite successful, but what if he's not? I don't want him to be the type who always want bigger, better and more. I don't want the desire for material goods to ruin his perfectly fine and normal life. How do I guide him so he can be content with what he has, yet still work hard to achieve goals?

Exactly we all want to be rich. But the trick is to be content with where we are in life. This is something you can help teach him. Help him learn the value of a dollar and also help him learn what a happy home, family and friends bring you. My hubby and I want to win the lottery and we talk of what we would do....well help friends and family, pay off major bills and build our dream home....aside rom that life would go on as normal. I love my job and would want to stay in the field. There is nothing wrong with dreaming.

He is only 8. who's to say what will happen in the coming decades...do not dwell on the negative. Help him come up with ideas for things he can do to earn money and save money. Is there a field he shows interest in? If so help him find out what is needed to succeed in that area.

Plus......give him a happy homelife that he will always remember.

[LynnS6]

I think it's very typical of the age. You might ask him what it means to be rich. I suspect his answer will be pretty simplistic still. He mot likely doesn't know what it takes to become rich.

It might also be a good idea to talk about things you're thankful for. We do that every night before the kids go to bed.

[freestyler]

It's just a phase. Don't sweat it. And don't try to stifle it or discourage it. Let him dream and dream big, the bigger the better. It's just like the princess phase for girls, you know? And who knows, maybe he will decide to become a millionaire business person or movie star, and will support you in your old age. There are worse things! You aren't setting him up for disappointment if you encourage him to dream. Sometimes dreams are the best things going! It's FUN to dream!

[4evermom]

My ds wants to be rich, too. He wants to be able to buy an xbox and other things he finds interesting without saving up for a year or two. He wants the independence that comes from having money, not having to ask other people for things. Seems like a good thing to me. I don't think he is overly materialistic. It seems typical for his age.