Children recognize the difference between good and bad before they discern between new and old. Quite often the favorite toy in the room is not new at all, but  the one that provides amusement in a way those others cannot. Siblings, especially, know the good toy by the demand it creates and the status that toy bestows on the possessor. That tattered teddy bear belonging to daddy has powers the other bears don’t – just by the way daddy talks about it.

We know children want that which parents hold in high regard. A parent obsessed with losing weight will likely raise children with the same ideals. Evangelism, idealism, spiritualism or sexism – your moral doctrines become your child’s belief system. The lesson here is that we must manage our –isms wisely

Most parents want children to avoid a mentality of materialism, a way of thinking that gives too much importance to material possessions rather than to spiritual or intellectual things. When we over emphasize the word “new”, we cheapen it. Here’s a simple guide to its usage:

WHEN TO AVOID THE WORD “NEW”

• Clothes
• Shoes
• Electronics
• Modes of travel
• Books
• Houses
• Toys
• Religion

WHEN TO EMPHASIS THE WORD “NEW”

• Undergarments
• School years
• Paper and writing utensils
• Games
• Music
• Movies and Television
• Sports
• Relationships
• Food and Eating