The expression of your parents "What do you think money grows on trees?" was similar in my case too. Its meaning based in how to educate our relationship with money and spending was very important at my early years, and for my brothers too. Also, I would add the principle of honesty adopted as a lifestyle. One cent or any money founded on the floor was given immediately to mom, and her encouragement to save and invest was permanent (until now).
Living in sufficiency or prosperity as a family managing the money and spending, was the same. These lessons learned gave to me an essential base how to face my leadership individually and to others.
Thanks to you and your mom for the wise reminder in the discernment between a want and a need.