Are You Raising a Spoiled Brat?

Do you want your child to have everything you didn’t? Providing a better home, more comfort and a better education than you had yourself should be the goal of every parent. But that doesn’t mean you need to give them everything or let them do anything they want. Here are a few real life scenarios and how to handle them to keep your kids from becoming the next Paris Hilton.

From time-to-time we all feel guilty for not spending enough time with our kids. Sounds like the perfect time to buy that Wii they have been talking about. Wrong. It’s time for you to take a time out and check your priorities. Fake a doctors appointment tomorrow afternoon and pick your child up from school to go see The Chipmunks (saw it, wasn’t half bad) or hit the batting cages or something else your child has been asking to do.

When you’re having a conversation with another adult does your child try to butt in take over? Unless you are discussing a recent episode of Sponge Bob Squarepants then your child has no business in the conversation. If the topic is appropriate, they can remain in the room but only if they understand the conversation does not involve them. Get them set up in another room with some art supplies or ask them to find a quiet place to read a book.

This last one is a big pet peeve of mine. When your child is struggling with something, such as finishing a puzzle or tying their shoe … let them. I’m not suggesting you sit their watching them bubble up to near tears, but make sure they have given a good effort before stepping in and showing them how to do something. Notice I didn’t say doing it for them.

The most important idea to remember is that children are more-or-less what we make them. Allowing seemingly harmless behaviors like the one’s above in your child’s early years can lead to much bigger problems later on.