In today’s consumer-driven world, learning how to raise children who are less materialistic is more important than ever. The phrase “I want” comes up daily in many households, and while expressing desires is entirely normal, the challenge lies in helping young people develop values that go beyond simply acquiring more stuff. With constant advertising, social media, and the pressure of comparison, children can easily grow up equating happiness with possessions. Yet parental influence, intentional habits and meaningful conversations can tilt the balance away from materialism and toward contentment, purpose and connection.
Why raising children who are less materialistic matters
Modern research shows that a strong materialistic value orientation in children and adolescents is linked to lower self-esteem, reduced wellbeing, and a greater focus on possessions rather than relationships. British Psychological Society+3National Geographic Kids+3ScienceDirect+3 For instance, one UK-based piece explains that acquiring lots of toys might give immediate pleasure, but satisfaction fades quickly and new wants emerge. National Geographic Kids
By focusing on how to raise children who are less materialistic, parents can help build more resilient, grounded kids who value what really matters.
Key takeaway: Materialism is not just about “having things” but about how children come to define their worth and what brings them joy.
1. Set the example — children copy what they observe
Children are keen observers. They learn not only from what you say but more strongly from what you do. If everyday conversation revolves around buying the latest gadgets, brand names and “newness”, the message your children absorb is: value = things.
Conversely, when you talk about gratitude, family time, contentment and shared experiences, you offer an alternative model.
For example: you might say to your child, “I’m so thankful we had that walk in the countryside together — it made me feel so connected,” rather than “Look at the brand-new phone I got!”. This kind of language reinforces purposeful spending and meaningful living.
Key takeaway: If you want to raise children who are less materialistic, start by modelling the values you hope they adopt.
2. Focus on experiences rather than stuff
One of the strongest findings in behavioural research is that experiences generate longer-lasting happiness than possessions. barefootintention.com+2genzreckoning.com+2
For example, a family museum visit, cooking together or taking a spontaneous day trip may not cost as much as a big designer toy — but the memories and connection last far longer.
Practical idea:
- On birthdays or Christmas, create a new tradition: instead of (or alongside) a material gift, choose an “experience gift” — e.g., a voucher for a local wildlife park, a family hiking day, or cooking a themed dinner together.
- Use photos or a memory-book to help children revisit that experience, reinforcing the value of connection over accumulation.
Key takeaway: To raise children who are less materialistic, emphasise the joy of “doing” together rather than “buying” for them.
3. Cultivate gratitude in everyday life
Gratitude is a habit—and a powerful shield against materialism. When children learn to notice and appreciate what they already have, the drive to chase the next new thing tends to calm. NumberWorks’nWords+1
Here are some routines you can build:
- At dinner time, ask each person to share one thing they’re thankful for.
- Encourage writing a thank-you card when someone gives them a gift — this shifts focus from getting to acknowledging.
- Keep a “gratitude jar” or “happy moments” jar: every week, family members write one small good thing and drop it in—then revisit them together at the end of the month.
Key takeaway: Building a habit of gratitude helps children recognise that value isn’t always about new items — it’s about relationships, time, and presence.
4. Be honest about commercialism and advertising
Children grow up immersed in consumer culture. They see adverts, social media posts, influencer trends and peer messages telling them what to want, who to be and what will make them happy. It’s tough to fully “cut out” advertising, but you can help your children become critical consumers rather than passive targets.
- Choose TV/online content that is less brand-driven and more focused on creativity, learning or nature.
- Have open conversations with your children: “Did you see that advert? What was it trying to make you do? Was it showing you something you really need?”
- Set screen-free times where the focus is on play, conversation or outdoor activity — shifting the habit away from passive consumption.
Research suggests children exposed to high levels of commercial messages may develop stronger materialistic values. British Psychological Society+1
Key takeaway: To raise children who are less materialistic, help them understand the persuasive intent behind marketing and encourage mindful choices.
5. Encourage altruism, generosity and giving back
When children learn the joy of giving — whether time, attention or resources — they begin to see value beyond the material. Simple acts of kindness matter and cost nothing.
Examples include:
- Invite your child to donate toys they’ve outgrown to someone in need.
- Take part in a local community clean-up, charity walk or volunteering day together.
- Create “kindness coupons” you all commit to in the family (e.g., “I’ll help you tidy your room” or “I’ll bake cookies for our neighbour”).
Studies show that children who engage in prosocial behaviour are less likely to focus on possessions as a route to happiness. READ2ASPIRE
Key takeaway: Giving back nurtures empathy, broadens perspective and supports the goal of raising children who are less materialistic.
6. Talk openly about wants vs. needs
Having toys or gadgets isn’t wrong. The challenge lies in developing a mindset where children understand the difference between wanting and needing, and can recognise when they’re being influenced to want more.
Strategies:
- When your child asks “Can I have that new game?” pause and ask: “What will you use it for? How often? Does it bring us together or just take time away?”
- Introduce a simple budget or “saving” jar: show that money comes from effort, work or decisions and talk about how you choose what you spend on.
- Let children save for something meaningful. Waiting, choosing, and making a decision builds value, rather than immediate gratification.
This approach supports raising children who are less materialistic by giving them tools to evaluate their own consumption.
Key takeaway: Understanding wants vs. needs fosters mindful choices and reduces automatic acquisition of new things.
7. Create family traditions centred on connection
Children may expect presents at every milestone or holiday. To change that mindset, use rituals and traditions that reinforce love, connection and shared values rather than material reward.
Ideas:
- A “monthly explore” day: pick a date each month where you all go somewhere new or try something different together.
- Annual “memory scrapbook” session: at the end of each year, gather photos, ticket stubs and little notes of things you did together.
- A tradition of “experience gift” birthdays for certain years (e.g., every two years instead of every year) while emphasising the value of simple family time for the others.
By nurturing connection and tradition, you help children place emotional value on non-material experiences.
Key takeaway: When your family culture values rituals and shared memories, you’re actively helping raise children who are less materialistic.
8. Limit exposure to material cues and frequent “newness”
Constant access to new toys, gadgets or clothes can feed a culture of wanting more. Some children may lose interest in items quickly when they always expect “next big thing”. NumberWorks’nWords+1
Approach:
- Encourage your child to wait a short period (e.g., a week) after seeing something they want. Use the waiting period to assess if they still want it.
- Rotate toys or games: keep some stored away and bring them out later; this refreshes interest without buying more.
- Swap or borrow items with friends or siblings — this reinforces sharing over owning.
By reducing the frequency of new acquisitions you’re helping children focus less on “what’s next” and more on “what I already have”.
Key takeaway: Reducing exposure to constant “new” pushes supports raising children who are less materialistic.
9. Encourage critical thinking and emotional awareness
A less materialistic mindset is supported when children can answer questions like: “Why do I want this?”, “Will it make me happier long-term?” “What else could I do instead?”
How to practice:
- Use real life moments: “I noticed that advert promised this toy would make you popular. How do you feel about that?”
- Encourage reflection: after a birthday or holiday, ask: “Which part of today was your favourite? Was it the gift or the time we spent together?”
- Support emotional literacy: help your child identify feelings like boredom, envy or disappointment and discuss healthier responses rather than “buying” something.
By fostering this mindset you’re equipping children to navigate consumer culture rather than being shaped by it.
Key takeaway: Teaching children to think rather than simply react helps raise children who are less materialistic in the long term.
10. Be patient and consistent
Changing habits and mindsets takes time. You may encounter resistance — children may still want the “latest thing”, peer pressure will still exist and you will have days you slip.
Important points:
- Acknowledge the normality of wants: saying “Yes, I understand you’d like that toy” helps your child feel heard.
- Reinforce the alternative: “We could save for that toy and in the meantime plan a fun day out together.”
- Celebrate small wins: “I noticed you picked the museum day instead of asking for a big toy — that was a great choice.”
By staying calm, consistent and clear in your values, you’ll gradually shape a mindset of contentment, not constant consumption.
Key takeaway: To raise children who are less materialistic requires ongoing modelling, gentle guidance and daily reinforcement.
FAQ
Q1: At what age should I start teaching my child to be less materialistic?
You can begin early. Even toddlers recognise possession and value attachments to objects. British Psychological Society Conversations and modelling become more meaningful from around age 5–6 onwards.
Q2: Is it wrong for children to have toys or want things?
Absolutely not. It’s normal for children to want new things. The issue is when wanting more becomes a default strategy for happiness. Teaching balance and meaning is the goal.
Q3: How do I talk to my teenager about materialism when they’re influenced by peers and social media?
Use open and respectful conversation. Discuss how social media and adverts work, share your own reflections, and encourage them to identify what they value rather than just following trends.
Q4: What if other families in our circle always buy lots of gifts — will my child feel left out?
It’s possible. Use it as an opportunity: “Let’s talk about what we want vs what matters. What did you enjoy last time?” Encourage your child to see that real connection isn’t about “keeping up”.
Q5: Will raising children who are less materialistic mean limiting their fun or enjoyment?
No — quite the opposite. The aim is to shift what you do for fun, not remove fun. Focusing on experiences, relationships and creativity often leads to deeper enjoyment and fewer regrets.
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Thank you for reading — by choosing to focus on how to raise children who are less materialistic, you’re giving your family a chance at deeper contentment, meaningful connection and values that last.
