I guess sometimes but I think kids remember more of the time you spent with them rather than the money you spent on them. I do like name brand clothes because they are better quality, wear well and are cute but I dig for them at Goodwill and yard sales and hate and cannot pay full price. I like my kids to be well dressed. I do ask my oldest if he would like to be in cub scouts and any sport but I don't feel like he has to be in everything.

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Mom to Kellan 12-16-2000
Brooklyn 12-27-2005
Nolan 10-15-2007
Wife to Russell 10-14-2005

I haven't been able to post on this board as much as I have wanted to lately, but I popped in tonight and happened to catch this thread. I just have to say that THIS is the reason I love all you Mommies so much! You all are like a breath of fresh air. I also choose to live "the simple life" and do most of my shopping at thrift stores and garage sales. Even if I was a millionaire, I would remain this way. I am a vicious bargain hunter! My children wear nice clothes, but I choose the clothes based on how I think they will fit or flatter my children, not by the label. (although I won't turn a GAP shirt down either, if priced right at a garage sale!)

As for me, I have always been this way with my own clothing, even in my teenage years. I never cared about labels, just how the clothes fit and looked on me. I can't tell you how many times I have been complimented on an outfit I have worn, and it was purchased at the local Goodwill! (people assume it was expensive)

Ah well, I think I got off the subject. I just want to say that these are all great posts, and so wonderfully refreshing in this materialistic world!!!

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My Mama always said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."
(Forrest Gump--1994)

I was just thinking about this today when my kids were rolling down a hill outside. I am so glad that they aren't in expensive name-brand clothes so that they can get messy, dirty, and have fun outside instead of keeping them inside so their clothes can stay clean. Which is a better childhood, having nice clothes with mom yelling at you to keep them clean or wearing Target clothes while having fun in the dirt? I'd much prefer the latter. I'm sure my kids do too.
Yesterday, I asked my two oldest kids what we should plan for summer, thinking along the lines of a baseball game, zoo camp, etc. and they both replied "Ride bikes!" They are still young enough that I am in charge of their social calendar and if I offer the simple things of summer, they will be quite content to enjoy them and not realize they have other more expensive options.

I think the general thought in this generation is that if you are not overbooked and stressed, you are lazy and not living up to your potential. I, of course, disagree.

I remember spending wonderful summer days looking for 4 leaf clovers in the backyard (with no one calling me to hurry because we had to be off to some kind of activity). Remember looking for animals/shapes in the summer clouds? I make DS do these things with me every summer! I also remember being bored, sitting on the front steps saying to my friends, "What do you want to do now?" "I don't know, what do you want to do now?" We eventually thought of something -- and it wasn't organized or scheduled.

I didn't go to Disney until I graduated from college! And, gosh, I survived childhood!

Your SIL, with her brand-name comment, is just passing on her insecurities. Personally, we don't buy much new, but I do take care to have DS look clean and neat -- not scruffy.

If there is anything I would like my DS fto take from living this kind of life is that it is important to be true to yourself and not feel the need to bend to trends and peer pressure.

Marlene

This is EXACTLY what I mean. I love my life but sometimes I feel like others (esp. family) think I'm not living up to my potential. What I need to do is stop caring how others think. For the most part I do, but every once in a while ... you know how it is.

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