Parents want to give their kids everything that their hearts desire, but giving in too much can often lead to spoiled children. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid spoiling kids to help them develop better social and development skills.
While it is typical for toddlers to whine, interrupt and throw tantrums, how parents react to these behaviors is more important. Children become spoiled not because they whine, but because whining constantly works to get them what they want.
1. Avoid over dependency
Children who are spoiled are typically overly dependent on their parents from a young age. Simple acts such as dressing themselves, brushing their hair or putting away toys will help them get into the habit of doing things on their own, according to Modern Mom.
2. Set and enforce rules
Parents should stay consistent to show that they mean what they say and no one is above the rules. Some parents tend to give in easily to avoid the hassle of disciplining a child or avoiding seeing their kid unhappy. As hard as it is, caving into the needs and wants of toddlers should be avoided by setting clear and simple rules and limits.
3. Make them help around the house
Giving toddlers a few age-appropriate chores will help them gain a sense of responsibility. Setting the table or putting back books on the shelf can encourage toddlers to start thinking about the needs of other people and not just about themselves.
4. Introduce different environments
Spoiled children often have trouble creating and keeping meaningful relationships due to their insensitivity to the needs of others. It is important to expose children to diverse environments to notice other people who have to live with challenges.
5. Let them feel disappointment
Shielding children from life's disappointments will result to a spoiled toddler. Let the kid feel disappointment when a play date is canceled or when he doesn't' meet the height requirement of an amusement park ride. Learning how to face disappointment early on with self-control and grace will make them a better person.
6. Let them work for what they want
Experts believe that kids become spoiled when things come too easy, which makes them take things for granted, according to Baby Center. If a child wants a toy, let him work for it with good behavior.
