OPINION
A mother has confessed to being addicted to buying her daughter designer clothes and bags - including a $650 Louis Vuitton handbag.
Fern Weston-Bennett said she buys the items for her three-year-old daughter Nancy because they give her confidence.
'I only do it because she loves it. She loves to wear all the stuff, it's addictive," Fern told a morning TV show in the UK.
Fern told the audience: 'I think it would definitely be a waste of money on some children, but she's always liked them and used them from a very young age.'
When the hosts asked Fern if the items were practical for a toddler, she answered "they're quite well made ...wipeable".
She also revealed that she could not find what she wanted in chain stores.
Fern's indulgence of her daughter prompted a lashing from viewers with one pointing out that Nancy is a human "not a doll".
In my view, the greatest concern is the impact such ridiculous spending will have on the child.
Children don't need "things". They need love, care, boundaries, fun and an appreciation for others and their circumstances.
Studies have shown that the most well-adjusted kids are those who spend time outside, do chores and experience delayed gratification - that means having to wait for things they want.
By giving Fern clothes and handbags she is teaching her daughter to value "things" rather than experiences.
Childhood is short enough. Nancy should be allowed to enjoy hers.