IMHO, parents aren't "wonderful" because they reward you with bags for being responsible in school... Where's the work ethic gone to nowadays??
ITA! Like if that's true, I guess I had crappy parents, since they never bought me a designer bag for getting straight A's in school and then going off to MIT. Hmm, i wonder why I ended up going to such great lengths to get a PhD and support myself with my own $$ (no rich husband needed)? there was no Birkin in it for me, so how did i end up succeeding in school? ooh, I guess it could be something called "motivation" or yeah, "responsibility", maybe... who knew that existed??? LOL
i'm not saying giving expensive things to your child is necessarily a bad thing. heck, if you are rolling in $$ you are free to do whatever you want. But what bugs me is how people how kids feel they "deserve" things (bags, a car, etc) for simply doing basic things (doing well in school, staying out of trouble, etc). It doesn't seem right that parents basically are bribing their kids just so they can do what they're *supposed* to do.
and BacardiGirl: you are a wonderful person!! Thanks for sharing your story. i think more ppl need to be like you--to appreciate their parents for the love and care they've given you, even though they may not be able to afford to give you luxurious items.