If you are fortunate to be able to give your kids some frills and take a little sting from their mistakes then why deprive them by reasoning they need to earn/learn a lesson. They will be earning all their adult life anyway. Just as most of us have. I was blessed with a DH that is a wonderful provider so our kids didn't need to earn money while at home for their clothes, cars, or colleges. And even though they didn't have the experience of working or doing without, they grew up to be nice people, hardworking and respected, and providing for their families.