No parent intends to deliberately spoil their children. We strive to nurture our little ones into compassionate, responsible, and grateful individuals. The mere thought of raising a child who behaves like a spoiled brat or feels entitled can be quite unsettling.
To prevent this, we carefully design our parenting approach to instill important values about empathy and respect. We avoid impulse buys at the checkout, regulate screen time, and enforce a sensible bedtime. We teach our children to be polite to waitstaff and encourage them to donate toys they no longer use. We take them along when we volunteer to provide meals for families in need during the holidays. If they neglect a homework assignment, they are still expected to complete it and submit it, regardless of whether they receive credit. We remind them to let guests choose the first game to play and check if they would like a drink or snack.
These daily practices accumulate, helping our children understand the significance of considering others and recognizing that they aren’t entitled to everything. No one wants to raise a rude, self-centered child. However, there are moments when I love to indulge my kids in ways that may seem excessive but ultimately enrich our family life without spoiling them.
Here are my top four favorite methods to “spoil” my kids:
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Say Yes to Books
A friend of mine has a rule in her home that allows unlimited access to books. Her four children don’t make impulse buys and have few toys, but they can always have books. While I can’t afford a flood of new hardcovers, we find budget-friendly paperbacks on Amazon, our local thrift store, and the library. By indulging my kids with books, they feel as though their wishes are being granted while simultaneously expanding their minds. -
Occasional Late Bedtime
On school nights, we maintain a consistent bedtime, knowing that children need sleep to thrive. However, sometimes it’s worth bending the rules and letting them stay up a little later. Whether it’s an unexpected game night that turns into a Monopoly marathon or a rare event like a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, I let my kids savor those moments. They might lose an hour of sleep, but the shared experiences make it all worthwhile. -
Getting Messy
As a parent, I often find myself saying, “Eat over your plate!” or, “Don’t spill that!” It’s essential to teach kids to care for their belongings. But after a good rain, there’s magic in donning old clothes and jumping into mud puddles. Or maybe it’s a day for painting without worrying about splatters. Sometimes, being in nature means getting a little dirty. These messy activities create unforgettable memories that my kids will cherish. -
Take a Day Off from School
I believe in the importance of education, so I don’t want my kids thinking they can frequently skip school. However, if we’ve had a hectic week and need quality family time, I’ll allow them a cozy day off for ice cream and a movie marathon. These days can also lead to fun outdoor adventures, like running outside in their underwear to splash in puddles. Although infrequent, these days create lasting memories.
Ultimately, I want my children to understand that while I will always encourage gratitude and kindness, there are times to break the rules, indulge themselves, and embrace spontaneity. Living fully and loving deeply may be the most vital lessons of all.
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Summary
This article explores various ways to indulge children without spoiling them, emphasizing the importance of balancing discipline with occasional treats. It highlights the significance of books, allowing late bedtimes, encouraging messy play, and taking rare days off from school as ways to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.