We took a trip today to a HUGE mall about an hour away. Larry hooked up the laptop so the kids could watch a video while we drove. This makes the time go by so much faster. At this HUGE mall there is a glorified Chuck E. Cheese type place called Jeepers!. They have video games and rides and even a small roller coaster. There is also a carousel at the mall and a play area in the food court. We probably make it to the HUGE mall 3 times a year. The girls love going. On the way home I was thinking while we were driving around trying to find the way home about when was the first time I went to a mall. I think I was in seventh grade. My best friend Monica and I spent 10 bucks at the County Seat on matching shirts. We didn't have play areas and roller coasters or video players in the car. We didn't even have air conditioning in one of our cars. Which brings me too my point. My kids are spoiled. I bought them a little something at the Hello Kitty store for a little treat. My oldest kid says "I didn't want that." (Whine and Cry sound effects should be added here. And then Loud Sigh sounds from Mom.) I expected her to thankful that her Mommy thought to get her a small treat. It hit me then that when kids get too many treats they don't appreciate a kind gesture. Nothing is special. It is the expected. It is the norm. It creates a desire for more. What else can I get. I am trying to teach them to be selfless and giving. I didn't realize my giving to them was doing the exact opposite.
