[Flavius]

Living beyond one's means — so the kids can have the best — is a common picture in the wealthy suburbs, Boyle says. It's also a particularly common scenario with divorced couples. Mothers often insist on keeping the house — even if they can't afford it — because they don't want to "uproot" their children. "I can't tell you how many women tell me, 'I don't want to move to another school district, I've got to keep the kids steady.' And they don't realize that with no income, they may not be able to refinance if they need money down the line."

[Coldwater Creek]

These parents really should have worked a little harder on the marriage!

[Flavius]

Along the way, they're convinced the house was a "good investment," not an expense, but they're trapped in these higher fixed costs, lowering both quality of life now and financial options — retirement, debt payoff, the chance to quit or change a job — down the line."'

but the talking heads tell me home ownership is a great indication of economic success and well being of the debt nation... they are not lying are they

[CatoRenasci]

If these people truly wanted the best for their children, they’d be saving and scrimping and teaching the children to make the most of what they do have, and spending time with the kids teaching them skills, building character, and setting a responsible example — I often wonder how much of parents overindulging children is simply treating the children as one consumption item.

[ovrtaxt]

I’m teaching my son (12) to run his own business online. He must give a portion to church, put a portion (most of it) into savings, and he can spend the rest on toys and whatnot- but he must run it!

Hopefully, he can buy his own car when he gets old enough.

[I still care]

I’ve been noticing this for a long time now. It’s politically incorrect to notice that in our society we tend to be “kid heavy” in our priorities. I guess that’s because the alternative, selfish parents, is worse.

Nevertheless, it seems to be the way of it nowadays. Even the courts have the principle that the needs of the child order their decisions, never seeming to take into consideration that the spiritual health of the child depends on having a proper place in a family unit.

There is a balance that should exist in the family where all members have their place and purpose; parents do not simply exist to be a vehicle for the child’s needs.