I'm concerned about the impact of materialism on families today. During the Great Depression, it was easy enough for parents to tell their kids that they couldn't afford to buy everything they wanted. But in these times, children see that you can purchase their hearts' desires—if not with cash, then with your magic credit card. Advertisers spend millions of dollars to stimulate your kids' lust for their products—toy monsters; dolls that eat, walk, and talk; designer shoes and clothes; and more.