In the New York Times this weekend I read an article entitled Tweens ‘R’ Shoppers by Lesley Jane Seymour. Lesley has a tween daughter and she writes about a day that she spent at the mall with her daughter and her daughter’s friends.

Now, my daughter is nowhere near her teens - she is only three, so I cannot speak from experience, but I was appalled at the luxury that today’s children take for granted.

In the article Lesley talks of the tweens wearing Uggs, Michael Kors boots, and a bracelet with a $60 Juicy Couture charm that one girl received from her parents for Valentine’s Day (Valentine’s Day?! - what happened to conversation hearts and cards?)

Lesley also says, and I quote, ” The concept of window shopping no longer exists. Going home without a bag is unthinkable.”

While I want to roll my eyes and explain it away with - well, Lesley just spoils her children (sorry Lesley), she is clearly not the only one who caters to tweens whims and fancies. A whole industry has evolved to serve the fashion needs of tweens.

But what message are we sending to our kids? Can the majority of America’s families afford this kind of shopping behavior? And if they can - should they indulge their tweens? I know it is all about being cool and fitting in but fiscal responsibility is also a lesson that children need to learn.

I also, occasionally treat my kids to the latest gizmo that they have been coveting. But I feel that more and more, kids think that what should be a privelege is now a right.

A mantra in our house is “all my friends have this,” and “all my friends can do that,”, “why can’t I?”. I am sure that parents through the ages have grappled with the same issues. The more I give, the more they want.

Articles like Lesley’s open my eyes to what I am up against.

For now, as long as I am wearing Gap and Old Navy, my children will do likewise. I hear that Target has a fabulous Spring line!