Why Not Getting Everything I Wanted As A Kid Was The Biggest Blessing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Not Getting Everything I Wanted As A Kid Was The Biggest Blessing

How It Has Helped Me Today

25
Why Not Getting Everything I Wanted As A Kid Was The Biggest Blessing
Popsugar.

Growing up, I found plenty of kids whose parents gave them everything they asked for. I admit, I was jealous of them when I was younger. I wanted the fancy cars, the designer clothes, and not to have curfew. Though my parents may not have granted every request I asked of them, they did give me the most important lesson of all: you need to work for what you want. So, thank you mom and dad, because not getting everything I wanted was the biggest blessing, and here's why.

1. I concern myself with what I have, rather than thinking about what I don't have.

When you are constantly given what you want, the objects or allowances you are given start to lose meaning. You start to create this idea that you can have anything you want, when ever you want. Thus, instead of appreciating what you have you start thinking about what you want next. Now, I'm not going to sit here and pretend I don't want anything, but I am honestly saying I am more grateful for what I have. I have always thanked my parents when they gave me something, because I never expected that they give me anything. Nor did they need to get me anything. I lived off of what I needed, with a few exceptions of my birthday and Christmas. This helps me now as a college student because I have learned to separate my needs and wants. It has helped me be smart with my decisions, and appreciate everything that my parents have done for me.

2. It has taught me how to save.

America is one of the worst saving nations in the developed world, and we wonder why? Well, I believe that it is linked to kids getting everything they want. Think of it like this, if you are just given something, you don't need to work to get it, let alone save up money to get it. Not just this, but when kids become adults, its hard for them to realize that the plastic credit card they are given uses real money with every swipe. Giving kids everything they want provides an illusion that there is no cost or consequence to anything. Growing up, my mom had me save half of the holiday money I received, sometimes for toys, but also just for the future in general. I always thought that it was unfair of her to take away some of the money I had received and wanted to spend, but now I know better. Now, I save 3/4 of every paycheck I get because I know it will help me in the future. As a result, I have enough money to get me through my first year of college without debt. If my parents just gave me the money and let me do what I wanted, I wouldn't have this opportunity today.

3. It has helped me work harder in life.

Like my parents have always taught me, when you want something you have to earn it. Though, when I was younger this amounted to being nice to my brother or working extra hard to keep my room clean. Now, when I know I want something, I pick up extra shifts. Last summer I worked three jobs because I wanted to go to Lollapalooza for a senior trip and have extra spending money for my first year of college. My parents didn't want to just give me money, because they wanted me to show them I earned the trip. So, I worked about fifty hours a week, and rarely had any days off. No, I am not recommending such a stressful schedule for everyone. But this all paid off because I did everything I set my mind to then, and I continue to today. Just keep in mind, if a kid gets everything they want, they don't have to work for anything. I personally would not have worked as hard as I had and continue to if my parents didn't push me to do so.

4. It helped me learn how to be responsible.

As a teenager, I saw other kids staying out until all hours in the night, never even checking in with parents. To be honest, I hated my curfew. I hated that I was always the first one home because I felt like I was missing out on a lot. I always asked for more time out, but my parents normally never budged on the subject. Thinking back about it now, I don't feel so bad. They kept me out of trouble by setting a curfew. My parents treated me as their daughter, not as their friend. Without knowing it, they helped me set my own boundaries and taught me how to be on time. They taught me how to make the right choices about how I wanted to spend my time, by only giving me so much time out. It helped me stay rested, but still have enough time to have fun. Now as an adult, I can budget my time for what is important to me, and helps me decide what I want to do.

Thank you mom and dad for not giving me everything I wanted. Thank you for making me work hard, and giving me the skills to be successful later in life. Though I did not necessarily appreciate it then, I certainly do now. It is a blessing I won't forget.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179444
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6567
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452043
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23049
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments