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- Dealing with Entitled Kids (Including My Own)
by Mia Thompson
Updated: Oct. 4, 2023
Originally Published: July 18, 2015
I adore my daughters, ages 5 and 7, more than words can express. However, I can’t help but feel they’ve developed a sense of entitlement that drives me up the wall. Before you get all worked up, let me clarify: I own this. It’s my doing.
The challenge with parenting is that by the time we realize we’ve made mistakes, our little ones have already adopted some less-than-ideal behaviors, making it tough to reverse course. I’m actively working to correct these issues by emphasizing manners and gratitude, seizing every teachable moment to encourage them to become kind, responsible individuals. They’re slowly getting it, but it’s a struggle, especially when they see other entitled kids running amok around them.
The Problem with Wanting Everything Done for Them
It often starts when they’re tiny and require constant care. But as they grow, they are more than capable of helping out! Even a 2-year-old can pitch in. “Mom! I want some water.” Nope! Get up and use those handy little arms of yours! “I’m hungry.” Great! Remember those legs? They work perfectly for walking to the kitchen too. Kids who don’t show any manners get zero help from me.
When it comes to dinner, I have a strict one-meal rule. And don’t get me started on them helping to prepare food. If they want to eat, they can help chop, stir, and clean up afterward.
Confronting Chore Resistance
I might sound a bit grumpy, but I refuse to spend the next decade cleaning up after my little tornadoes. Toys, clothes, glitter—it’s an endless cycle! Sure, it might be easier to do it myself, but I’m determined to teach them accountability, responsibility, and gratitude, even if it means enduring some frustration as I mold them into decent citizens.
Teaching Financial Responsibility
Every trip to the store feels like a battle with the constant begging for toys and treats. I used to appease them with small items from the dollar section, but now we talk about prices and budgets. They receive a small allowance, allowing them to learn about spending and saving. Spoiled kids are all too common, flaunting their latest gadgets. It’s not their fault; it’s the parents who shower them with everything. Let’s take a step back and teach our kids the real value of money.
The Core Issue
The main problem—and my personal shortcoming as a parent—lies in our reluctance to let them help. Sure, when they assist in meal prep, it can lead to more mess and chaos. But avoiding these moments means missing out on opportunities to delegate and teach them. The immediate hassle often overshadows the long-term benefits. It’s a tough battle, but I hope that by their 10th and 12th birthdays, they’ll be cooking dinner for me. Meatloaf, anyone? (Please and thank you!)
So here we are, navigating the path toward improvement, tackling challenges one at a time. Fellow parents, let’s keep pushing forward; our kids will one day be leaders, and a good leader knows how to manage their own space.
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In summary, it’s all about fostering responsibility and gratitude in our children, despite the inevitable challenges. With patience and persistence, we can help them grow into respectful, self-sufficient adults.