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[quote=Anonymous]Definitely a family values issue.   We emphasize to our kids that there will always be someone wealthier than us, and always someone who has less.   Just like intelligence, luck, status, looks, athletic ability, etc.   With the hope that our kids develop a sense of internal competition, to always do their best and not necessarily try to compete with others.

We also try to teach them to be grateful for what we have, and emphasize that most people work very hard in life, but some get a bit of luck behind them and some don't.  In fact, coming from poverty myself, I feel lower-income people work much harder in general than those who earn more.  Simply because middle-to-higher income people know how to work more efficiently and/or have resources available that allow them to outsource a lot of the "pain."

As far as material goods:  I seriously doubt we are in the same income bracket as OP.   I feel my kids are privileged wearing LL Bean and Children's Place, vs. Hanna Anderson and Patagonia.  But the lesson is the same.  I tell my kids I pay for quality and durability, and that there is a point of diminishing returns.   LL Bean generally takes abuse much better than Walmart stuff.   So there is some logic in purchasing it.  We apply this to our own lives (not just the kids' stuff).  For example, I could afford an Audi (my personal dream car), but I don't see the need when my Honda is almost as good (perhaps better in safety/reliability.  Just nowhere near as fun to drive).   If they want "better" (generally it's more like they want "cooler"), then they have to work to get it.

We have always done charity work.  And from about the age of five on, any money they get is divided into (1) 60% fun money, (2) 30% savings, and (3) 10% charity.  They get to pick the charity.

And finally, the choice of school.  This was probably much easier for me because we are not as high income as everyone on DCUM seems to be.  But I wanted a school that was solidly middle class (in this area that still means pretty high income).  I wanted my kids to be in the middle of that pack, not the poorest and not the wealthiest.  And I wanted a school with uniforms, so that brand names were reduced (albeit not eliminated).   This makes it easier for us, overall.  But I'm sure you can still instill a sense of social justice in your children, even if they are insanely wealthy.   Truly.  It's an attitude and lifestyle, regardless of the car you drive, your zip code, or the clothes you wear.  It's not a sin to be wealthy.   The sin is the sense of entitlement.  You might have to work harder at it than most, but it's worth the effort.  And very doable.  [/quote]

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