Is Your Child Asking for a Labubu?

What is this "Creepy-Cute" Collectible All About?

Labubu has become a huge hit around the world as a collectible that brings together fashion lovers, collectors, and celebrities. Kasing Lung made this small monster in 2015 for his Monsters art collection, which was based on Nordic mythology. After Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung made Labubu in 2015 for his The Monsters art project, Chinese toy company Pop Mart made a lot of them in blind-box sets. The toy comes in a blind package that hides all of its features. There are more than 300 variations as of the time this article was written.

So what's the big deal?

1. The excitement of perhaps acquiring a rare item. Psychologists believe it's like gambling or an obsession, and this makes a dopamine loop.

2. The mix of silky fur and pointed, jagged teeth in "ugly-cute" and edgy styles is quite appealing.

3. A desire that celebrities and social media make people feel. Kids want to stay up with the current trends because they give them social proof, something new to acquire, and a method to show who they are in a culture where marketing and peer pressure are everywhere.

This is common and not dangerous, but it's also an excellent chance for parents to educate their kids how to think critically, keep track of their money, and grasp the difference between a need and a want.

Stop telling your child she has to turn off the game in 5 minutes. Try this invention instead!

What does FOMO mean?

A lot of the youngsters' excitement for the newest craze gadget comes from the fear of missing out. This is not a medical illness, but it is a modern anxiety that comes from thinking that other people are living better, more exciting, or more meaningful lives than we are. This is the dread of not being involved in something, not being able to do something, or not being up to speed on something.

 This is especially true when you see carefully chosen content on social media. FOMO is the fear that

other people are having fun without you. Seeing vacation images from a buddy, a colleague's promotion, or even a popular event that you weren't invited to can make you feel this way. The main idea behind FOMO is comparing yourself to others and thinking that you are missing out on something that could make you happy, offer you status, or make you happy.

The Mind Behind FOMO

FOMO is based on two basic human needs: belonging and self-worth. People are social beings who are meant to fit in and get approval from others. Being left out, especially of things that other people seem to value, might make us feel bad about ourselves or that we're not doing enough.

Social media sites are probably the best at making FOMO worse. They make a highlight reel of other people's lives, showing their vacations, celebrations, and career successes, but hiding the boring or hard times. Because of this distortion, it's easy to think that everyone else is doing well when you're having a hard time.

Notifications and updates in real time also make people feel like they have to stay linked in all the time or risk falling behind.

In a society full with options and social comparison, it's normal to be afraid of missing out. But it doesn't have to make you feel bad or limit your choices. You can turn FOMO into JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out—by being conscious, accepting your own path, and taking a break when you need to. This will help you be happy with the life you're living.

When your child asks for the latest trendy item and you don't know if it's worth the money or the hype, it may be a tough time, especially when emotions are running high. Here is a useful way to react that is both fair and well-thought-out:

1. Don't act out of guilt or pressure; instead, take some time to ponder.
2. Talk to your child and find out more about why they want the gift.
3. Recognize how they feel, but don't let them choose what to buy.
4. Set limits or conditions by making the decision take longer.
5. Help them figure out how to make the money they need to pay for it themselves.
6. Don't be afraid to say no. Finish with, "I'm not willing to spend our money on that right now." If they ask you WHEN you'd be willing, say with confidence, "I really don't know, check with me next week," or set a firm date to talk about it again. A lot of the time, the child will have more time to think about why they want something and whether it makes sense if you wait to make a decision.

Your job isn't just to say yes or no to your child's wants; it's also to help them deal with the emotional, social, and practical aspects of making decisions and managing their desires. How you respond with these situations will affect how they deal with desire, disappointment, and worth in the future.

The creator of this blog, Bill Corbett, is the author of the book, Love, Limits & Lessons: A Parent's Guide to Raising Cooperative Kids, available in paperback, kindle and audible.

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