When Your Amazing Kids Start Acting Like Spoiled Brats, It’s Time for a Reality Check

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A few weeks ago, I noticed my kids were suddenly throwing around the phrase “Do I have to?” like it was the most normal thing in the world. As if I would ever respond, “Oh sweetheart, you don’t have to do anything but exist and devour ice cream sandwiches!”

This new attitude emerged whenever I asked them to do anything—pick up their socks, practice their instruments, or get ready for bed. The “Do I have to?” came out in a long, whiny drone that could make the neighbor’s dogs howl and my patience shrink to nothing. I’d stare at them in shock, wondering how I had ended up with such entitled mini-humans who couldn’t handle basic tasks.

“No, you don’t have to do anything,” I retorted. “Just like I don’t have to resist the urge to spend your college fund on cute shoes.” This earned me a half-hearted eye roll, followed by their slow, reluctant compliance, as if I was asking them to donate a limb instead of brush their teeth. It was exasperating to watch.

Since day one, I had promised myself that my kids wouldn’t be spoiled. I wouldn’t be their maid, and they’d learn to do things independently as soon as they were able. They were supposed to be contributing, polite members of our family, darn it! They were going to pour their own drinks, load their plates into the dishwasher, and not be obnoxious about it.

Yet, here I was, confronting the harsh reality that my kids were acting like spoiled brats, and I was at fault. This slippery slope began when we let them have too much screen time. As parents, we got lazy. Instead of ushering them outdoors after school, I thought, “They just need a moment to unwind.” Then I caught my son attempting to navigate the stairs while glued to his iPad. That was when the “Do I have to?” became a staple in our household. They started forgetting basic manners like saying “please” and “thank you.” Every task turned into a battle of wills, and I was utterly drained—and incredibly frustrated.

This is the tough part of parenting: getting things done. Kids are adorable and full of joy, but teaching them to grow up and not act like total goofballs is a whole different ballgame. When they behave like spoiled kids, it’s embarrassing to take them out, and I genuinely enjoy being in public.

So, we had a family intervention. We started taking our responsibilities as parents seriously and reining in screen time. We sat the kids down to clarify what we expected from them if they wanted to enjoy the joys of life—like bacon and love, of course. Just kidding—bacon is always on the menu. So what’s their deal?

Parenting is a labor of love, filled with effort and, yes, garbage bags. I understand the reluctance to comply right when asked, but respecting family members comes first. The effort to guide our children pays off when we can enjoy their company without the urge to strangle them with their discarded coat lying in the middle of the floor. They benefit too, by not hearing me yell every five seconds.

I’m committed to putting in the time and effort to ensure my kids don’t become jerks in the world. I hope you’ll join me in this mission. For more information on fertility issues, check out this excellent resource.

In summary, when your wonderful kids start acting entitled, it’s time to take a step back and reassess. Parenting requires consistent effort and setting clear expectations. If we stay committed, we can raise kids who are respectful and enjoyable to be around.