Dearest Ashley,
Aunty Jeslyn shared with Mummy that one of her customers' son is always comparing with his peers in his "branded" secondary school. He only wanted Converse shoes, branded jeans, hand phones and bags like his peers. His parents are in a dilemma: If they buy these branded stuff for him, he will continue to ask for more; If they refuse to buy for him, he will be so unhappy and feel inferior to his peers. Before Mummy gives my comment, I'll share another real-life story of my friend's friend's university daughter studying overseas.
She has been caught in the materialistic world since young. Being the only child, her parents bought her everything she asked for. Since Primary school to Junior college, she carried the latest hand phone, bags and wore the trendiest fashion. Needless to say, her parents work very hard to satisfy her ever growing appetite. When she decided to study in an overseas university, her parents would pay for her hefty school fee, expenses and rental. However, she is still unhappy as she feels the urge to buy the latest handbag which costs over $1000. Through friends, she became a part-time model behind her parent's back in order to buy that latest handbag and other branded stuff. When she realized she could earn big bucks so easily, she neglected her studies and spent more time in modeling. Mummy is very concern that her materialistic appetite will grow bigger each day and she will never be contented.
Mummy's university classmate used to drive sports car to the campus. The car that was his 21st birthday gift from his parents. What happens if one day he did not get what he want at 26 years old? What happens if he used up all his parent's money to satisfy his own desires? He started several pubs but eventually went bankrupt. He has to start learning how to work for others at a minimum wage at 35 years old.
All the possessions in this world is impermanent. They will go away at some point. What is permanent is what you have inside you - the good habits and values such as honesty, responsibility, organizational skills, trustworthiness, respect for others. These values stay with you forever. Now you know why Mummy and Daddy keep encouraging you and Abby to develop good habits since young. As for Mum & Dad, we are contented with who are we and what we have. We possess no branded stuff and that did not make us feel inferior. We simply do not feel the need to splurge on material things. We would invest in your well being and a holistic education. When we see you are serious in your study, wushu, singing, soccer, swimming, piano and honest, respect others including your little sister, and putting effort to be more organized, we are happy and contented.
Long story short...hopefully by now you will understand why we did not buy you the hand phone, iPad and PSP you wanted. We are afraid if we buy you these stuff, you will ask us to buy you a sports car for your 21st birthday which we cannot afford. Hahahah...
Love you son,
Mummy Dearest
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