Life really should be one long journey of joy for children who are born with a world of wealth at their tiny feet. But experts on psychological research now believe that silver spoons can leave a bitter taste. If suicide statistics are a sign of happiness, then the rich are a miserable lot. Figures show that it is the rich who most often do away with themselves. Dr. Robert Coles, an internationally famous doctor, is the world’s top expert on the influence of money on children. He has written a well-received book on the subject, The Privileged Ones , and his research shows that too much money in the family can cause as many problems as too little. Obviously, there are certain advantages to being rich, “says the 53-year-old doctor, such as better health, education and future work expectation. But most important is the quality of family-life. Money can’t buy love.” It can buy a lot of other things, though, and that’s where the trouble starts. Rich kids have so much to choose from that they often become confused. Their parents’ over favoring can make them spoiled. They tend to travel more than other children, from home to home and country to country, which often makes them feel restless. “But privileged children do have a better sense of their positions in the world,” adds Mr. Coles, “and they are more self-assured.” Today’s rich parents perhaps have realized that their riches can be more of a burden than a favor to their children. So their priority is to ensure that their families are as rich in love as they are in money.