Do Your Children Suffer from a False Sense of Entitlement?

Do your children suffer from a false sense of entitlement? This is a disturbing new epidemic that is affecting children across the nation. As parents we often find ourselves over compensating for issues we feel guilty about, like working full time, or even divorce. And although we intend to pacify our children with cell phones, video games and over priced shoes is this what is best for our children? We can give our children things until we are blue in the face but that does not address the real issue. In reality, we are actually hurting our children and society as a whole. We are not allowing our children to develop character. Instead we are raising kids who can not cope and have unrealistic expectations about life. We are sending the message that they deserve things for facing adversity. They feel entitled to getting things because their parents feel guilty. Believe it or not your children are very intuitive to your motives and learn how to manipulate them at an early age, hence the tantrums in Walmart, and absurd demands for large sums of money as a reward for doing nothing.

So what can you do to wean your children from having this sense of entitlement?
The first step is to change your mind set. If you truly love your kids, your primary concern will be raising children who are well rounded and capable of dealing with adversity.

Replacing things with you.
Life is hard, and as parents sometimes we try and find the easy route. Often times the easiest way to express our love is with things. Children are creatures of habit. If this has been your approach to expressing your love for your child your will child feel entitled. It is not hard to change this mind set. There are simple approaches to spending quality time. Sit down with your child and watch their favorite television show. When you show an interest in something they like it validates them and adds a sense of importance. My four year old daughter and I watched an episode of Hannah Montana the other day on the Disney channel. She was so surprised and proud that she picked a show that would entertain me. "You like this show too mama?" she asked.That one small act built her self esteem and gave her a sense of security. Take time to sit your children down and just talk. Let them lead the conversation, even at a young age we all have the same desire to be heard.

Teach your child the importance of Charity.
Let your child see how fortunate they are first hand. There is always something to be thankful for. Find a charity that you and your family can get involved in. It does not matter if you have a little or a lot there is always something that you can do to teach your child the importance of charity. Raising a child that understands the importance of charity is by far the most fulfilling experience a parent can have. A charitable person is more valuable than wealth, education, or beauty.

Put them to work.
The best way for you to eliminate your child's sense of entitlement is to put them to work. You work hard for your money and this is probably a concept that your child does not understand. By making your child earn the perks they are so used to freely getting they learn the value of a dollar. When they pay for their own toys and clothes they are more likely to take care of them because they know how hard they worked to buy them.

Take a proactive approach to raising your children and set realistic expectations for them. Don't pacify your children with things because their lives are not perfect. Kids are more resilient than we give them credit for. Being a good parent is really more simple than we think,the only investment you have to make is your time.