17 Parenting Tips to Avoid Raising Spoiled or Entitled Children

Parenting has become more challenging in today’s age because we no longer rely on old, traditional methods. While modern ways of parenting can be useful, they sometimes lead to kids feeling more entitled. If you’re still figuring out the best way to parent, you’re not alone. These tips can help you focus on raising kids who are caring, understanding, and less likely to expect everything to go their way.

Teaching Gratitude

Many studies show that gratitude increases the chance of feeling happy and satisfied. Encourage your children to express their gratitude in various forms: saying thanks, giving a thumbs-up, and voicing their appreciation. This also shows them how other’s actions can be helpful and encourages them to return the favor.

Fostering Open Communication

Letting your kids share their feelings openly is a great way to build trust and understanding between you. When they feel listened to, they’re more likely to respect boundaries and see things from others’ points of view. Having good communication helps cut down on frustration and teaches them empathy, making them less likely to develop entitled attitudes.

Assigning Chores

While it’s tempting to let your children rest and play all day, teaching them responsibilities is equally essential. You don’t have to assign them tough chores; start by letting them be handy helpers and eventually adjust their chores according to age. This teaches them an appreciation of work and effort.

Setting Boundaries

Children who don’t understand boundaries and frequently break them are considered entitled. It’s much better to teach your children the importance of boundaries for themselves and others so they know not to behave erratically or in ways that could hurt others.

Modeling Behavior

Children do as their parents act around them. While we’d all like to think we’re perfect parents, it’s essential to reflect on personal actions to be the best version of ourselves for our children. The happier and better you act, the same will your children because they’re mirroring you.

Teaching Consequences

Many people refuse to teach children consequences because they want to believe their children’s innocence. However, a child who doesn’t learn the consequences will inevitably end actions that can harm others. Tell your children the importance of respecting others and how things won’t turn in their favor if they do something wrong.

Promoting Patience

It’s easy to lash out at rowdy children, but the more patient you are, the more patient they’ll be. Since children mirror the actions of their parents, it’s essential to practice patience around them and teach them that life may not deliver immediately, but the sweet fruit of patience is worth it.

Encouraging Efforts

Most parenting techniques focus on appreciating a child’s results, but encouraging their efforts is far more effective. This praises your children’s behaviors and actions and shows them what truly matters: how they act. Ultimately, they’ll look forward to acting graciously.

Limiting Materialism

We all want to give our children the world, but it’s also important to teach them that life is more than just materialistic things. Encourage practical experiences (picnics, family dinners, weekly discussions) over material aspects (getting a new toy, buying knick-knacks, getting too many gifts) so they know the value of life.

Regulating Emotions

It’s easy to feel a little crazy, especially if your children are in their terrible twos or older. Younger children don’t have a proper way of venting, so they tend to take their anger and frustration out on adults. Consult pediatricians and therapists to develop effective ways to regulate their emotions.

Practice Saying No

A big part of parenting children is parenting parents. If you feel like you’re being too lenient, encourage yourself to say no to your children, especially if they’re whining about things that can quickly be done at another time or don’t require immediate attention. This can also teach your kids that not every time they’ll it have their way.

Teaching Them Discipline

Although it sounds orthodox, children need some form of discipline. Healthy forms of discipline (which you can consult professionally) help children self-regulate and vent their frustrations in a way that doesn’t hurt others. They also keep them from being too rowdy or ungracious.

Ensure Early Attachment

A child who isn’t that emotionally attached to their parents will struggle with entitlement. Multiple research finds that early attachment to a parental figure (mother, father, legal guardian) helps them connect to others better and understand them emotionally.

Promote Empathy

Encourage your kids to think about others’ feelings and perspectives. Talk about kindness and how their actions can greatly affect others. Join community service projects as a family to show them the importance of helping those in need and making a positive impact in society.

Teach Financial Responsibility

Introduce concepts like saving, budgeting, and earning money through chores or small jobs. Help them set financial goals, whether it’s saving up for a toy or a special outing, and track their progress together. Use everyday moments, like grocery shopping, to teach them about making smart spending choices and understanding the value of money.

Encourage Team Activities

Getting your kids involved in team sports or group projects helps them a lot. It’s a great way for them to learn how to cooperate and work towards a common goal. It also helps them see the value in putting the team before themselves and builds lasting friendships.

Promote Independence

Your kids need to learn that they can’t depend on other people their whole lives. Encourage independence in short doses: chores when they reach the appropriate age, ordering food/talking to the cashier, doing the laundry, and handling bills when they’re nearing adulthood.

More For You

Years ago, our parents taught us things their way. But as we grew up and navigated through life, we realized there are still some important things we wish they had taught us.

The article was inspired by Psychology Today, ARC Research, and a study conducted by Pepperdine University and first appeared on Rbitaliablog.