Of course we love our kids and want the best for them. Most parents hate to let them down and don’t want to see them unhappy, even for a nanosecond. And we hate to think our little darling could be spoiled and ungrateful. But despite our hopes, studies show that nearly two out of three parents feel their kids are spoiled!
Let’s face it, spoiling a child is rarely a parent’s goal, but it is easy to do. In fact, the “spoiled kid” problem seems to be growing.
Eighty percent of people think kids today are more spoiled than kids of 10 or 15 years ago.
Only 12 percent of 2,000 adults polled feel that kids commonly treat others with respect; most adults described them as “rude,” “irresponsible” and “lacking in discipline.”
Though we love our kids to death and hate to see them unhappy, there are clear disadvantages of raising a spoiled child. Here are just a few:
— Unpleasant to be around. Other kids are turned off by their bossy and selfish behaviors. Adults don’t like their often rude and excessive demands. Spoiled kids don’t win popularity contests.
— Lowers persistence. Material things and advantages come a bit easier and spoiled kids are used to getting their way, so they often have a tougher time with life’s downsides and give up quicker.
— Reduces satisfaction and appreciation. Getting “too much” can make a child perpetually unappreciative and become a chronically dissatisfied adult.
— Curbs self-esteem. Self-centered individuals have a higher likelihood of troubled relationships, depression, anxiety and lower self-esteem.
— Diminishes empathy and character. If you are overly concerned about your child’s needs, you diminish the kid’s capacity to identify with other people’s wants and needs. The long-term danger: Raising a child with “truncated character” whose concern is always Me-Me-Me!
4-Word Test to Spot a Spoiled Kid
Spoiled kids are usually easy to spot. Just ask other adults if your kid is spoiled, and they’ll let you know. But if you’re having trouble diagnosing your kid, here are the four most common words that depict a spoiled kid. These behaviors can be typical in younger kids (especially toddlers), so look for a pattern in any preschoolers and older. When it becomes your child’s “operating mode,” beware!
NO: How does your kid typically respond to the word? Spoiled kids can’t handle the word; they expects to get what they want and usually do.
ME: Is your child self-centered and think the world revolves around her? Spoiled kids think more of themselves than of others. They feel entitled and expect special favors.
GIMME: Is your child greedy and never satisfied? Spoiled kids are more into getting than receiving. Because they have so much, they often want more. Because they have a lot, they tend to be unappreciative and a bit greedy.
NOW! Does your kid have patience or demand things ASAP? Spoiled kids can’t wait and want things instantly. It’s usually easier to give in than to postpone the child’s request…
Read More: micheleborba.com
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