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No, hence the concern. This may sound like a stupid question, but it's a concern for me. We're really not the "keep up with the Jones's" type of family, and am concerned what living in a wealthy community will do to us and my kids. Ok, you're right, it's a stupid question. :-)
Location: Splitting time between Dayton, NJ and Needmore, PA
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I don't think it's a stupid question so much as it is one that should be discussed by the family.
Merriam's defines a snob as "one who blatantly imitates, fawningly admires, or vulgarly seeks association with those regarded as social superiors." I'd say kids of any age need to learn the difference between that and being sociable.
It's a valid concern. It is absolutely amazing what kids come up with these days. It's just a new twist on the same old, "everyone else's parent let's them..." Take out the trash, rake the lawn, clean up your mess. The son learned how to do laundry (not mine) and cook, change the oil in the car.
I fondly remember the day that he was embarrassed because the multi, multi millionaire's son had to bag leaves with him before they were allowed to leave the property. The other boy understood, said his Mom gave him chores all of the time. At the very least, he'd learned his manners.
Keep your eye on the ball. Teach them everything that you know.
We are considering renting a house in Englewood Cliffs because of the great school and proximity to NYC. Will my kids turn into snobs?
it's a risk in any wealthy town. englewood cliffs is an affluent community, so yes, there's a possibility of it happening. you can't completely escape the superficial, materialistic element in any upper income area.
that said, i know plenty of people who grew up in that town and are relatively normal and grounded with solid values, so there are no guarantees either way.
if this is truly a major concern, you may want to consider moving to a less affluent town that has a wider range of incomes but is primarily middle class, such as fort lee or leonia. there are also plenty of solidly middle-to-upper middle class towns further west or northwest of englewood cliffs that would probably offer more of the relaxed middle class values that you're seeking, but are a bit farther from the city.
kids are really subject to their version of keeping up with the jones more than adults i think.
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