How to explain to a child that comparison is the thief of joy!!

[Eliza72]

Please help lovely people in my phone!

My daughter is year 6 and doesn't have a phone, although she will next year at secondary. I always thought this moment would come and tonight I was treated to a half an hour moaning session on why "all her friends" have mobiles and they are allowed on their tablets whenever they like and they have a WhatsApp group and and and etc....

It's hard to not feel like a mean mum but on the other hand there are good reasons for not letting her have free rein with technology.

What do you say when you child compares to their peers, with anything really; bedtime, technology, amount of sweets..

I found myself stuck for words, she is a good arguer which is annoying🤣🤣

I used to suggest they try and find out if X's family would adopt them then, as they obviously would have such a better life there, but would also point out of course that X didn't do / have {inserts something they like about living here}

I always think the best thing is to be casual and sort of blank, not invite any whinging or further conversation. Just something like ‘oh does she have a phone, that’s good’ and then try and move the conversation on to something else.

If it persists I don’t think there would be anything wrong with asking to end the conversation as 30 minutes being whinged at about something you aren’t going to change your mind on is a waste of time. At that point I would remind her that you’ve made your decision, explained it, and you don’t want any further arguing about it.

Well DD's friend with a TV in his room, electronics and 50 presents for Christmas is the most common comparison! But they don't travel and we do so that normally means an 'every family has different choices' conversation.