It used to be that kids were of actual value. Needed as workers, they contributed essential labor to the family business. And while this was true children were not catered to at all. They are no doubt the largest cost center we have. But as their actual value has decreased, their control over family time and money has increased.
Children have enormous influence over all major purchases in a family.
It used to be that Dad went out and bought a new car and drove it into the driveway to show it to the rest of the family. A dad who did this today would be lynched. Not only wives, but children also expect to participate in these sorts of choices. The car manufacturers know this. Perhaps I am the only one who thinks about these things.