Interesting thread, especially for me as it's a hot topic for dh and I right now.

I don't think you have to be rich at all, as long as you can have a roof over your head, a full belly and shoes on your feet it's ok.

If I couldn't afford the basic things then I wouldn't but, I don't think kids need new toys, new clothes and and private schools. Obviously it makes things easier but, I do not think it's the be all end all.

Personally, I think of it like this, I would rather have been born into love and happiness but little material things than never have been born at all. My parents were very far from wealthy when I was growing up. It hasn't made me wish for more, it hasn't made me angry at them because I wore my sisters hand me downs. I value my parents, see them as loving, hardworking and honest people. I thank them for showing me the meaning of hard work and a real appreciation for the finer things in life.

Just my two cents