Is Your Child Spoiled?

When it comes to spoiled children, there is no argument over whether the cause is nurture or nature. Children come into this world with many different personality traits but being spoiled is not one of them. Clearly, being spoiled is a learned behavior. The definition of a spoiled child is one who is so excessively indulged that nothing satisfies him.

Traits of a Spoiled Child

There is a difference between a pampered child versus a spoiled brat. Pampered children may be indulged by their parents but they still can be pleasant, considerate and appreciative children. A spoiled brat, on the other hand, usually exhibits the following traits:

They are incessantly demanding. Spoiled brats make endless demands. They expect those around them to provide anything they ask but they usually don’t ask – they demand! And they don’t accept ‘no’ for an answer.

They often throw fits in order to make people do what they want or get what they want.

They are easily bored. It takes a new stream of toys and activities to engage their interest because they’ve been given too many things.

They are ungrateful. Everything comes easily into their lives and they are clueless about any sacrifice on the part of the parents or giver of gifts.

They don’t value anything. They don’t take care of what is given to them because they don’t recognize true value.

They are unhappy most of the time. Any pleasure or happiness is short-lived.

They are not enjoyed by family and friends. People do not like to be around them because of their whiny, demanding, ungrateful ways.

Indulged versus Spoiled

Well-meaning parents love to indulge their children because it brings them great joy to see their children happy. Pampered children enjoy the attentions of their parents and may come to expect being indulged most of the time. Yet, they accept when they can’t have everything they want. Although they may pout a bit, they don’t throw tantrums. Pampered children generally are happy.

Is Your Child a Spoiled Brat?

If your child exhibits some of the above traits of a spoiled brat and you’re still unsure if he’s spoiled, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you give him what he wants to avoid a tantrum?

When in public places or a friend’s home, are you afraid he will throw a fit or break something?

Can you feel good about giving him one birthday gift you think he will enjoy or do you need to buy many gifts because he demands quantity?

Does he have friends?

Will family members willingly babysit him or do they make excuses?

A spoiled child is an unhappy child. Unless he learns to value and appreciate people over things, his character development will lag and his future social, educational and professional relationships will suffer. Please read How to Unspoil a Child at Hubpages.com.