How do you feel about a 6th grader...

having a Burberry handbag?

My niece also has Coach and Dooney and Bourke. She is 11 years old.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

I don't really see anything wrong with it...that's "pre-teen"....however, I would have a "problem" per se if they were OBSESSED with only labels....and that I would place responsibility on the parents to put them in "check."

All in all, if they or their parents can afford it....go for it!

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

That is a big no-no in my house. There is no need for children to have such expensive designer items. I am all for a child dressing cutely but I am also for keeping a child a child and a tween doesn't need a designer handbag!

I was just thinking that at 11 I had a jordache vinyl purple purse and thought that was the hotest thing going! I think they cost 10.00

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

To tell you the truth, Im not all that shocked. My cousin is in 2nd grade and has a cell phone things are different now. Personally I wouldnt get my 11 year old a coach, burberry bag. I dont think they understand the value of things and its more of a status thing.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

I remember having expensive designer handbags staring in like 5th or 6th grade-- Il Bisante.

ETA-- and I did not grow up being label obssessed. I got these items as gifts and appreciated them. I had like three in total and I think I still have one somewhere!

This is the age when you are more label conscious-- I am a person who appreciates fine things in life, but am by no means obssessed.

I think it's fine depending on how the parents handle it-- and how much emphasis is put on the importance of labels.

Message edited 12/26/2006 2:18:08 PM.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

Just because they have an expensive pocketbook doesn't mean that they are spoiled or don't have the right values. Depending on their parent's financial situation (or maybe it was a gift) the cost of the pocketbook may not be such a big deal.

On the other hand I don't think that anyone should get caught up in labels. If they like the bag they should get it not b/c it's a prada or coach.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

I feel envious because I want one too.

I wouldn't care. I agree if their parents could afford it & they want it, no issues on my end. I would say it's stupid if you have a 6th grader who is irresponsible, but hey it's their money.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

My mother gave me nice things, but there was a limit.

I got those type of items when I was old enough to pay for them myself, taught me the value of a $.

My children will be raised the same way.

ETA: To answer the question, I wouldn't care much, except if the child was totally spoiled, like the 5 year olds who get manicures AND pedicures at my place....

Message edited 12/26/2006 2:24:22 PM.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

I think it all depends on the maturity of the kid. My daughter would lose hers in a second. One of her friends is very mature for 8 and would think giving her one would be fine.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

I'm in the minority, but yes, I have an issue with it. Growing up, my parents could have afforded to give me every thing (and label) I asked for, but they rarely did, only on very special occasions. I firmly believe that's why I maintained a grounded perspective growing up in such a materialistic town (Great Neck). There were plenty of kids whose parents could afford to give them everything, and they did, and honestly, most of the time, the outcome wasn't so good. I think it's really important for children to understand the meaning and value of expensive items, and at that age, they're too young to be given those kind of gifts and keep perspective...

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

Honestly, I think that if I could afford it and my daughter wanted it, I'd buy it for her. Maybe just a small one. I think that before I had a baby, I'd say it was totally ridiculous, but looking at my little girl now, I'd definitely buy it for her if it were within our means and she wanted it.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

If she truly appreciates and knows and understands the value of it, then it's not a big deal with me.

If she expects it and only wants name brand/designer labels, then that's wrong. That's where I think the parents should step in and help her understand the difference.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

I wouldnt buy my 11 year old a designer handbag. If she wanted it, she would have to save up her allowance and buy it for herself. Maybe if she was in high school i would buy her a designer bag (not too expensive though) for a birthday or christmas.

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

As long as she is taught the value of a dollar and understand that these things are not entitlements, but things that you have to earn money to pay for, I think it's fine.

Like a poster above said, a lot of it really depends on the maturity level of the child.

I myself, in 6th grade, couldn't take care of Walmart brand purses, let alone an expensive bag.

It would have gotten lost about 30 seconds after I got it!!!

Re: How do you feel about a 6th grader...

Actually, I take back my answer...I'd probably buy her a knock-off for fear of her losing it or something. But still, if she could handle the responsibility of it, then I'd definitely consider it.