How to Stop Spoiling Your Kids

It seems that the kids of today are more overindulged than ever. But childhood overindulgence has its price. By spoiling your kids, you give them a false sense of security. When they're older and have to provide for themselves, they may not have the skills and resources needed to rise to the challenge, if they've been overindulged throughout childhood. Your primary job as a parent should be to make sure your child is equipped to meet the challenges of independent living when he's older. Here's how to take the steps necessary to stop spoiling your kids unnecessarily:

Stop spoiling your kids: Teach them charitable giving.

Instill in your child at an early age the importance of giving to those less fortunate. Help your child clean out his closet and toy chest and lay aside items he can give to charity. Explain to him that not everyone has what he has and charitable donating can be a chance to give back to his community. This is a great way to curb selfish impulses and establish a sense of social consciousness at an early age.

Stop spoiling your kids: Set a good example.

If you want to teach your child to be less spoiled and selfish, set a good example yourself. Do you really need to buy the latest gadgets and technology, much less the new "must have", ultra high priced car? Children notice expensive, impulse purchases on their part of their parents and will, in turn, think they need to have the latest and best.

Stop spoiling your kids: Help your kids earn their gifts.

Give your child a regular list of chores to do on a daily basis. Assign a point system for each chore. Once your child reaches a certain number of points, reward him with a special gift. Your child will learn the importance of working for what he wants.

Stop spoiling your kids: Reign in the grandparents.

Grandparents are famous for overindulging children with expensive gifts and favors Instead of giving expensive gifts, encourage your child's grandparents to spend time with him. In the long run, this will have much more meaning to your child than another train set or remote control car.

Stop spoiling your kids: Stop feeling guilty when you say no.

It's important that you not feel obligated to give in to every one of your child's requests. Your child needs to understand delayed gratification and the fact that he can't always have what he wants when he wants it. Show him how to set a goal to work towards earning an expensive object or toy. When he finally reaches his goal, the toy will have much more meaning to him.

By avoiding the overindulgence trap, you can raise your children to be the model citizens you always dreamed they would be. Your child will think you one day.