I have 2 kids, ds 4 and dd 1. After a tough first year for health for ds with no socialising bar nursery (which he started very young out of necessity) followed by lockdowns, I've become trapped in a cycle of spoiling. It's not that he asks for much beyond a chocolate, it's that I see things and buy them and don't save them for birthdays/Christmas. It's the same for dd. I'm talking about things varying from new books, little cars, character toys etc. It's very frequent if I'm honest. Tomorrow amazon is bring bubble blower wands (like a bubble machine but in wand form). We're big fans of a bubbles and music party to let off steam...
I think it stems from growing up very poor (black mould, no heating, hand me down clothes etc) and being subject to regular beatings and verbal abuse/being told I'm worthless by step dad.
I know that what ds wants most is my (and his dad's) time for playing, reading etc. He makes this clear. But it's tricky when we both work full time (no family support) and dd is very demanding of me specifically (still breastfed). I feel such guilt. I'm struggling to find any kind of balance and holding back on buying things I know he'd love. But I know it needs to be reigned in before he becomes entitled/spoiled, and we need to be saving for a garden, which would benefit them both immensely.
Any thoughts/wisdom? I feel like I'm over correcting my own childhood.