Mary,

As a kid I grew up on a farm. That is a tough life and we were poor. As much as I hated wearing hand me down clothes and hearing the words "We can't afford that" I really don't think it harmed me at all. I think it helped nurture my inner strength and it showed me how to deal with life when it is tough. There are many that cannot deal with adversity well at all, they never had to learn those coping skills. I know you want things to be better for you and your kids, but as long as you do this as a family, you'll all do fine.

Pam

Just an echo of what Pam said. We grew up poor and different (English accents in Australia, were called Poms and immigrants) none of it harmed me, in fact it made me more compassionate.

Give your kids some credit and some choices. Make some wish lists. Dreams can come true.

The face in the mirror is not the 'real' you.

Sue.

hey Mary:

I m from India and moved in US for good, I from time to time feel bad about wasting so much food, clothes, toys in US. do you think ourkidsappreciate us more for material things we give them, I think love matters most to them and being there in their adversity is worth more than any materialstic things, I feel guilty even asking anything from God when we have so much other things in abundance,I know our kids just want love from us, not money, how many kids of rich parents have you seen doing well, I think we as parent show them right path and education, its their destiny to make it good or bad of theur future

Asha