Whose Birthday? #15

Not long ago, the Center for a New American Dream conducted a contest for young people 17 and under. Entrants were asked to create an essay or a piece of art titled: "What I Really Want That Money Can't Buy." We asked that question to get a sense of perspective about today's young people. In an age of relentless materialism and commercialism, what is it that kids REALLY want?

From the 1700+ entries, we learned that our children want love, time, and respect. They want their parents to be together and they want safe classrooms. Sure beats a trip to the mall.

The winning essay reminds us that kids need their parents' time more than anything that money can buy. This message is especially important during the holiday season.

To read more entries, visit  http://www.newdream.org/kids/contest.php

What I really want that money can't buy is unconditional love. As a kid, I need to know that no matter what happens, no matter what grades I get, I will be loved. So many of my friends have parents that work all the time. They are not sure their parents love them, I guess because they are not there. I want to know that I am loved, because my parents are there. Just by their presence, I feel that I am loved. My dog, Casanova, loves me. Sometimes I yell at him, and sometimes I hug him. But no matter what I do, he always wags his tail and comes running up to me. He has unconditional love.

My parents love me and buy me many things. But what tells me they love me the most is when they listen to me. Things are great, but what I really want is their time. What my friends really want is their parents' time. Maybe go for a walk, and talk. Maybe a bike ride and a lecture talk about money. If you just do stuff together and smile, I will know you love me. I do things with my mom a lot, but my dad works and sleeps. I know we need the money, but I wish he would do more things with me. What I really want is for all parents to just spend time with their kids. America would be a happier country.
-- Erika Conant, 14, Johnson City, TN

This page last updated 5 Nov 2015

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