All around we see evidence of materialism at some level or another, but it is shocking the first time that it severely affects your child. Both, my wife and I had separate conversations with our 8 year old son about his strong desire to have a Ninento DS. I know what you are thinking, what do you mean that he is severely affected by materialism.
The idea of this toy consuming his thoughts, emotions, and conversations is crazy and as a parent, you wonder where this all comes from. Is it jealousy of a friend who has one or just the idea of learning this all?? no matter how it is, it is frustrating! 
We attempt to each our kids that the things they have are a blessing and we want to see what we can give away so that someone else may be lucky enough to have a new toy. we have even gone to the level of cutting off the amount of TV that they watch due to the commercials that push the newest toys and gifts in front of them.
For us, materialism has really kicked in at at 7.. but when does it end?? Even as a 32 year old guy, i see it all around me and i even struggle with wanting “things”. When the iPhone came out, i wanted to ditch my phone to have the newest gadget, even to the point of justifying the need for it.
How do you combat the desire for more?
