A 40s male company employee from Kanagawa Prefecture worries that his late-70s parents' habit of giving his middle school son money frequently is harming the boy's grasp of money's value. Though he understands their desire to spoil their grandson whom they see only a few times a year due to distance, they ignore his requests for prior discussion and continue secretly. Education commentator Naoki Ogi advises openly discussing concerns with the son and holding onto gifts until adulthood.
A man in his 40s from Kanagawa Prefecture, working as a company employee, is troubled by his parents' repeated lavish gifts to his middle school son. The parents, in their late 70s, live far away, meeting the family only a few times a year, which fuels their urge to pamper their grandson.
Since the son was in elementary school, they have bought him expensive toys and handed over ¥10,000 each visit. The father has asked multiple times for advance notice, but the parents proceed secretly. Recently, he warned them of cutting ties if they continued; they apologized but persisted. After discovering more instances, he confronted them by phone, extracting a promise to stop.
As a result, the son fails to grasp money's value and impulsively eyes costly trading cards. The parents explain its importance repeatedly with his wife, yet feel the grandparents' actions have undermined their efforts.
Education commentator Naoki Ogi acknowledges the concern, noting that in today's internet-driven society rife with crimes, solid financial knowledge is vital for protection. He speculates the parents act out of a pure wish to bond directly with their grandson, bypassing the parents.
Ogi suggests pausing harsh persuasion of the grandparents. Instead, speak candidly to the son: "We want you to build strong financial awareness. Kids struggle with managing money and gifts, risking crime involvement. For now, report any receipts to us; we'll hold them until you're an adult, then return everything. Discuss uses beforehand if needed."
At junior high age, he should comprehend. Gently remind grandparents occasionally against excessive gifts and express thanks for their affection toward the son.
This family dilemma highlights intergenerational clashes in teaching money values.
