What is “Overconsumption Core”?

Aubrey De Jesus • December 13, 2024

I’ve been seeing a new term popping up on social media lately: overconsumption core. But what does it mean? “Overconsumption core" is a term used to describe the social media phenomenon of excessive consumption of goods and services; it is driven by the idea that owning more makes one happier or more successful.


Part of what this term means is that the rapid rate at which we are consuming products is becoming a detriment to the environment. Basically, we are buying too much, too quickly, and companies are having a hard time keeping up with our purchasing habits in a way that is sustainable for our planet. 


Social media has made it seem like we need a lot of things; for popularity, to make our lives easier, or just because it will make us feel good. The problem is that these feelings only last until the next shiny and popular thing comes along and we feel we need to have it right now to replicate those feelings. It can also bring up a LOT of negative feelings: envy for what others have, ungratefulness for what we actually have, and overall discontentment. 


With it being Christmas month, it’s so easy for us to fall into this mindset of needing MORE, especially for children. While this is not an overnight fix, one way that you can help your kids combat this overconsumption core is to give them experience gifts.


Experience gifts are exactly what they sound like: a gift that provides an experience rather than a physical item. These can be so special for kids, especially when tailored to their passions and interests; PLUS you’re spending quality time together. Here are a few ideas to consider:

  • Zoo Membership - Getting your family an annual zoo membership gives you countless experiences. By only going twice in the year, you’ve already paid for the membership and each time after is free! You could focus each trip by going to a different area of the park, or try something new each time. Not only are you helping to protect wildlife, you’re helping your kids learn, and get some fresh air, too. Win-win!


  • Sports Experience - If your kids are interested in baseball, gift them 5 trips to the batting cages, or go to a baseball game as a family. If they love swimming, add them onto your gym membership and take them to the pool. Whatever activity they are interested in, do it with them and they’ll have those memories forever.


  • Festivals - All throughout the year you’ll be able to find cultural and musical festivals in Miami. This year alone, our family has been to a Scottish Festival, Irish Parade, Kite Festival, and Pirate Festival, to name a few. Most of them are free, and they all have tons of activities, markets, or music. Eventbrite and Facebook are great places to look for festivals. 


Another idea, if you still want your kids to be able to open physical gifts on Christmas (like me), but also want to avoid overconsumption, is to consider purchasing gifts that are lightly used. For example, if your child loves to read, most of the public libraries in Miami sell lightly used books for $1 or $2 that are still in great condition. We got bikes for our older boys for Christmas this year (shh, don’t tell them), both lightly used from Facebook Marketplace for half the price of a new bike. Buying things second hand not only helps reduce products being made, but you’re also saving money, which is always a plus. 


Overall, I think we all need to remember that having things isn’t inherently bad, but it’s about our heart and mindset. James 1:17 says “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” All we have is from Him, and we need to continue to be grateful for the things we have and receive. 

5 Black History Month Picture Books

By Aubrey DeJesus • February 12, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new postFebruary is known for two major events: Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. This is a great opportunity to check out some picture books detailing the accomplishments of Black Americans both past and present. I’ve rounded up 5 picture books you can read with your kids or students this month to give them a better understanding of why it is important to celebrate these accomplishments. These books should be a stepping point to further conversations about inclusion, acceptance, and empathy. We were all made in the Lord’s image and deserve respect and acceptance by all. I’ve also made sure to include books that reach beyond just slavery and civil rights movements since Black History Month extends beyond that.

How to Help Your Kids Set (and Keep) New Year's Resolutions

By Aubrey De Jesus • January 7, 2025
There’s something so exciting and invigorating about starting a new year. It is full of promise and the opportunity to grow. During this time, many adults make new year’s resolutions and goals to help set their year on the right path, so why can’t our kids set goals, too?

Thankfulness Scriptures - Phone Wallpapers

By Aubrey De Jesus • November 6, 2024
It’s officially November, and what better way to celebrate this month of thankfulness than to count our many blessings from this year and make sure our hearts are directed towards gratitude. One of the best ways to cultivate a heart of gratitude is to memorize Scriptures that remind you of what you’re thankful for, and most importantly, to whom you’re thankful.

Pumpkin Picture Books to Read this Fall in Your Classroom

By Aubrey De Jesus • October 7, 2024
As a teacher and school librarian for many years, from preschool to middle school, I have found one thing to be true across the board: Children of all ages love to be read to. It doesn’t matter the age, kids love listening to a good story and become easily entranced by a good read aloud.

Should Your Child Participate in After School Activities?

By Aubrey DeJesus • September 12, 2024
According to the 2014 Census, 57% of children between the ages of 6 and 17 participate in after school activities. Most of this percentage refers to sports (35%), but also includes clubs or lessons (like music, dance, or languages). Like everything, after school activities have both pros and cons, and while some children may thrive on these extracurricular activities, others may get worn down and it ends up being more of a drawback. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of a child participating in after school activities.

5 Back to School Picture Books

By Aubrey De Jesus • August 16, 2024
A new school year is on our doorstep, and for most kids (mine included), the new school year can be both exciting and intimidating. There’s a new teacher, new classmates, harder coursework, more homework. Plus, we are mourning the end of summer and all the fun we had.

Internet Safety Tips for Teens and Parents

By Aubrey De Jesus • July 16, 2024
Technology is everywhere , and with it comes multiple threats, from cyberbullying to predators. As parents, we need our teens to be careful online since they spend so much of their time on social media. How do we keep them safe? First , you need to have an honest conversation about what dangers social media can bring to them. Second , come up with a plan of action.

How to Tackle Summer Reading

By Aubrey DeJesus • June 18, 2024
Even for kids who love to read, there’s just something about books that are required that have less appeal. However, almost all schools require summer reading (including here at KCS starting in 2nd grade). Usually these books will be centered around a project or assignment once your child returns to school. Aside from preparing your child for one of their first projects or tests of the year, the goal for summer reading is to keep your kids from backsliding too much and losing their reading growth. It also helps them keep those reading fluency and comprehension skills honed. Here are a few ways to help tackle that summer reading to make it as painless and fun as possible!

Book Recommendations: Middle Grade Books

By Aubrey DeJesus • May 13, 2024
Middle Grade books are books designed for children ages 8-12 years old, or in 3rd through 6th grades. These books are designed for children who have outgrown chapter books, but are not yet ready for the heavier materials in Young Adult books (ages 12-18). Middle grade fiction tends to focus on pre-teens who are experiencing things that most children their age experience - making friends, moving to a new house/school, and sibling interactions. Summer is quickly approaching, and if you’re looking for some books to keep your middle grade child engaged in reading till school starts back up, here are some recommendations to get you started.

3 Strategies for Tackling Homework

By Aubrey De Jesus • April 9, 2024
Thinking back to your own school days, one thing undoubtedly stands out (and not necessarily in a good way) is homework . We know that homework is not fun, especially after a long day at school, but it is very important for solidifying and reinforcing what our children are learning during their school day. Here are three strategies for tackling homework to make it more manageable (and get it done quicker!).
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