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Parenting
The Struggle with Entitled Kids (Yes, Even My Own) by Clara Hayes
Updated: Oct. 4, 2023
Originally Published: July 18, 2015
My daughters, aged 5 and 7, hold a special place in my heart, and I love them fiercely. However, I can’t help but feel they’ve turned into entitled little brats, and it frustrates me to no end. Before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify: I fully own my part in this. I’ve shaped their behavior, and now I’m stuck working to correct it.
As parents, we face a significant challenge. By the time we recognize the faults in our approach, our kids have already developed habits that are tough to break. I’m actively trying to reverse the damage I’ve done by emphasizing manners, discussing gratitude, and seizing every opportunity to teach them valuable lessons about being decent human beings. They’re starting to grasp these concepts, but it’s an uphill battle, especially when they see other children getting away with similar behavior.
Children Who Expect to Be Waited On
This entitlement begins in infancy when we cater to their every whim. But here’s the truth: they grow up and can start contributing! Even a toddler can help clean up.
“Mom! Get me some water.” Absolutely not. Get up and use those handy little things called hands!
“I want a snack.” Great! You know where the kitchen is. Go get it yourself. Kids who don’t practice good manners with me won’t receive my assistance.
And don’t even get me started on meal times. One meal per day is my rule. If they want to eat, they can help prepare it. They’re more than capable of wielding a knife and chopping ingredients.
Children Who Resist Doing Chores
I may sound like a grumpy parent, but I refuse to spend the next decade cleaning up after a chaotic mess. Toys, clothes, glitter—it’s endless! Is it easier to clean it up myself? Yes. Is it faster? Absolutely. But I’m committed to making them accountable and responsible, even if it means enduring their reluctance.
Children Who Lack Financial Awareness
Every trip to Target turns into a begging spree, and it drives me up the wall. They want everything! I used to appease them by taking them to the dollar section, but that’s over. Now, we discuss prices, budgets, and I tell them they can purchase anything they can afford. They receive a small allowance and are learning valuable lessons about spending.
Spoiled kids are easy to spot, bragging about their latest toys and gadgets. It’s not their fault; it’s the parents who are to blame, showering them with excessive gifts. Teach your kids the value of money instead of enabling their entitlement.
The Core Issue
Here lies the crux of the problem: as parents, we often hesitate to involve our children in tasks because it seems like more work. When they help cook, it can lead to spills and messes, and we fear they might injure themselves. Our reluctance to delegate makes it harder in the long run. The struggle to get them to contribute is a necessary challenge that every parent must face. The rewards are well worth it, and I hope that by their 10th and 12th birthdays, they’ll be preparing dinner for me.
I don’t know about you, but my journey with my entitled little ones is a work in progress. Let’s keep fighting the good fight, fellow parents. Our children will grow to be leaders, and a good leader knows how to manage their own space.
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Summary
In this candid reflection on parenting, Clara Hayes shares her struggles with raising her two daughters, highlighting their entitled behaviors. Acknowledging her role in their upbringing, she emphasizes the importance of teaching manners, responsibility, and financial awareness. Through relatable anecdotes about meal prep and chores, she encourages fellow parents to push through the challenges of instilling these values, ultimately striving for a future where their kids grow into capable leaders.