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Thanks. I've done fairly well financially, which has presented a few problems when trying to raise your children the correct way. Thank God that my wife understands that disappointments build character. We don't aim to constantly disappoint them, but they don't get everything they ask for either (by any means).

One Christmas in particular stands out in this regard. My son was 6 and had asked for several things, but one thing stood out in particular. My wife asked me to take the kids to a movie so that she could shop. I told her to deny him that one gift that he'd been so insistent on. It took some convincing but she finally agreed.

When he didn't get the gift he was clearly disappointed, just as one might expect. I used the opportunity to give the the "you can't always get what you want" speech. He responded marvelously.

I know it's tough trying to do the right things by your kids when there is so much out there. They see so much and it's ashame. But, they will understand as they get older. They will thank you too. So many kids have rooms DEVOTED to toys and playthings. Wow, we played wherever in the house. Living room, dining room, kitchen...wherever. If we got too loud or in the way our parents would just tell us to hold it down. :)

Well, I am certain it was hard for you and your wife to deny your little one a special gift. However, since he responded marvelously I hope you were able to get him whatever it was at a LATER date and....a SURPRISE for him.

Keep up the good work. It pays off!!!