As a pediatrician and a parent, I often find myself observing a common phenomenon: the incessant desire for more. My 5-year-old son is a prime example. He constantly craves more toys, despite having numerous items he hardly plays with. He begs for more desserts, even when his mouth is already stuffed with sweets. And when bedtime rolls around, he stretches out the routine to prolong his playtime. This overwhelming demand for more can be exhausting, making me yearn for less—less noise, less chaos, and perhaps even fewer children!
However, children aren’t the only ones afflicted by this “disease of more.” Many parents, myself included, develop an insatiable appetite for more—more time to ourselves, more financial resources, and yes, even more space.
When you become a parent, everything seems to shrink—your bank account, your patience, and even your living space, which suddenly feels cramped. Before kids, a modest studio or one-bedroom apartment sufficed. But after merging our lives with a partner and welcoming children into the world, we find ourselves surrounded by an overwhelming amount of stuff. The influx of baby clothes, toys, and all the necessary gear quickly fills every available space.
I recently welcomed my second child, and prior to his arrival, we moved to a larger apartment. Despite the extra room, we still found ourselves cluttered with an abundance of baby supplies. Yet, I often wonder if we genuinely need all this space. After all, unless you’re blessed with a large family like the Duggars, how much space is truly necessary?
In fact, the relentless pursuit of more can lead to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction. The more you acquire, the more you desire. This mindset is especially concerning as we inadvertently pass it on to our children, fostering a belief that happiness hinges on material possessions.
The truth is, kids do not need nearly as much as we think. In our quest to provide them with everything we lacked, we often overlook the fact that children thrive on our love and attention far more than on new gadgets or toys.
So, the next time you feel envious of a friend’s larger home or contemplate splurging on the latest tech, take a moment to reflect. You may already have everything you need right where you are. Instead of focusing on expanding our living spaces, we should concentrate on maximizing the value of what we currently possess. A smaller space can often foster closer connections and make it easier to appreciate what we have.
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In summary, the “disease of more” affects both parents and children, leading to an endless cycle of wanting more. By recognizing what truly matters—love, attention, and imaginative play—we can cultivate a fulfilling family life without the constant need for excess.