NightBear01 repliedThe way my parents did it was to point out how the things I wanted were all things I saw advertised. They pointed out that I would repeat exactly what the advertisers had said. They refused to buy me (and themselves!) things with logos and designer labels.

They also taught me to tell the difference between the words "need" and "want". If I told them I "needed" something, they would ask me how I managed to survive without this so far and what had changed in the world so I could no longer survive without it.

When I was in High School and my friends were getting cars from their parents, I got a tape recorder to tape classes. I bought my own car and my own class ring ... and although it was a pain, I think I valued them more. My first car was 10 years old (I paid off the loan in 12 months ... which really helped my credit score) and I had to pay for my own car insurance too! My class ring was 10% gold instead of whatever everyone else had, but many thought it actually looked nicer.

Now, I have all the comforts I want, and it shocks my friends because there are so many things I don't have (Ipod, cell phone, laptop, things in my ears generally) - but I don't see how they deal with all those things, and when someone tells me who the designer of their lunch bags or sweater or toy is - I usually look at them blankly and say "That's nice". I think they realize I wasn't impressed, but the truth is, I don't know who half of these designers are anyway, and could care less!

archivalk repliedIf he doesn't already have one then give him an allowance ($5 to $10 a week). Make him use the money he has saved up to buy all the items that he really wants. You still provide the basic needs such as food and housing and the clothes that you choose to buy. But he will learn that in order to get all these material things it takes a lot of time and money.

Best of luck

Super Nanny replieduhh talk to him make him a globally conscious person ..dont buy him unneeded superfiscial items

tonnieRN repliedummmmmmm; stop buying him everything he wants, say 'no' sometimes, make him work for things at a lower wage, make him earn his allowance by doing chores, etc....you created the monster, now tame it....:)

Maria repliedwhen i was younger i saw the movie Schindler's List ..... after that I realized how hard other people had it and how lucky I was to have my Payless shoes. My suggestion is to show your son how bad it CAN be. It sounds harsh but it might work.

Large Taco repliedStop buying him diamond encrusted shoes.