Parents sometimes feel guilty about not being able to provide everything for their children. Those who have missed out on some things during their own childhood fall into the trap of being too lavish on their kids. They make up for this absence by overindulging their children or becoming permissive parents.
Overindulging children will ultimately have a negative effect on them when they grow up. Parents are cautioned not to always give in to what their children need and make them understand about priorities.
National Parenting Support Commission interim CEO Andre Miller said parents who overindulge their kids usually develop a style called permissive parenting, according to The Gleaner. Children who have very lenient parents might be happy but they are also very reliant on others and have difficulty controlling themselves. To avoid these types of kids, parents should try to empower their kids, nurture them, establish a structure for them and recognize the kids' abilities.
"Outside of the need for parents to provide love, shelter, clothing, medical care, a balanced diet and a proper nutrition, then everything else that a child requires is a want," Miller said. "If as a parent you are consistently providing your children with expensive gifts, absolving them from doing chores, failing to outline clear rules and regulations, then you may be overindulging," he added.
Many parents today succumb to the pressure of letting their kids keep up with their peers, as per Family Life. Parents easily give in to the nagging of their children. A survey done by the Center for a New American Dream shows that parents give in to their kids after they've been asked nine times. Tweens are known for their persistence by asking their parents up to 50 times or even more.
Overindulged kids are irresponsible, ungrateful, seek immediate gratification and are materialistic, according to Overindulgence. All parents want the best for their kids, but for those who tend to go overboard, there is a need to examine one's parenting style and stop with the permissive parenting approach.
