[Aliantha]

I agree glatt, and I'll add that of course we all know that a new toy or whatever will bring momentary happiness based on a reaction to someone else's input ie the parent giving the child a gift. We all know that true happiness, that sense of contentment and faith in oneself is something else entirely, and is in my opinion as a parent, one of the big challenges of raising kids. Helping them understand that their happiness comes from themselves, not from what others do for them. Receiving a gift sort of happiness is more akin to gratitude and appreciation, which are also good traits in any adult and must be learned as a child.

And V, my intention with my previous post was to point out that there's more than one requirement in being a parent. That to bring up your kids well you need to consider both points Merc and Bruce made, just as you said. I was agreeing with your perspective.