I've heard everything now!

[freelili]

I think that you cant put a price on a good nights sleep. I have that now and I didnt for so long even before this nightmare started.

In a hundred years time it wont matter where I lived or what kind of designer curtains I had (not that I have any). I hope that the values my parents gave to me and that I left with my kids will live on in theirs.

[freelili]

I can honesty say that after I bought something when I kind of knew I shouldnt, I didnt feel good at all, even couldnt bear to look at it at times.

[tori]

i can definately relate to that freelili.my daughter's bed and the lounge curtains are from the catalogue.i feel guilty every time i look at them and wish i could ring the catalogue people up and ask them if i could give them back.x

[johnt]

I think because we, as a nation and culture, have lost track of family and personal values and what is really important. We are wrapped up in this material comfort zone that we call life and to pay for this lifestyle we need credit. Look at the role models that are out there with all their wealth....the ones who buy £millions worth rings, houses, cars, yachts AND babies. The message is loud and clear, money brings you happiness! The question is, are they really happy? I know I was more stressed than happy in credit BUT spending did make me feel better for a while. It was definately a form of self-medication for me and I suspect I'm not the only one.....

brilliantly articulated. I tend to come across as rather pompous and overly opinionated.

My other great concern is that our entire service sector based economy is entirely dependent on this lifestyle, so as we cut back the UK credit crunch is set to bite deep and very hard.

[Jan01]

My Grandmother always used to say a child will remember the time it's parents spend with them not ironed pajamas or expensive toys. That is something I have always remembered with my child and grandchildren.

Jan

[chris.g]

I agree Jan, nothing shows a child love and affection more than spending quality time with them. I think the trouble is today, parent's are far more busy, working to pay for material items and a better lifestyle that they find it hard to spend time with their family. It's a vicious circle, they want to provide the best for the family therefore work, they then have to pay for the items so they have to work harder and longer hours, they then try to compensate by throwing more money or gifts at their kids, meaning they have to work harder, and on and on........

[Jan01]

I agree totally
I work with young offenders and the stereo typical image is a young person coming form a poor home etc. Lately more and more of the young people I work with come from 'nice' homes with parents working to pay for the nice holidays and gadgets and designer clothes. But often the young person expresses loneliness we as part of the job have to do home visits and often we turn up and the young person is their on their own saying that mum dad won't be in until after 7pm.

Please don't think I am having a go at working parents I was one my self but i do wonder if deep down the young person would rather see mum and dad rather than the latest must have.

Jan

[chris.g]

Of course they would, that's why they are screaming out for attention, one way another.

[Soulgrowth]

Well the higher you aspire to climb ... the further you have to fall.

Debbie