What is a spoiled child?
Do you remember what it was to be a child? It was the age when you would get what you asked for. The time when there would always be someone to lend you an ear, listen to your whims and fancies however unreasonable. But a demanding kid is not necessarily spoiled.
Kids while growing up will surely want new things as they are eager to learn. They are constantly amazed by new things. As parents you will never feel too guilty to shower your kids with love and care. However if you don't set certain boundaries and build simple expectations from your child, you might end up spoiling them.
Below are some simple tips that you can follow:
It is okay to disappoint them sometimes:
It is okay to make your kid feel disappointed. What is more important is to weigh your options and look at this from a long term perspective. If your kid gets carried away with video games and manipulates you into letting him play for a longer time then scheduled, buying him the latest one might not be a great idea. Don't be afraid to do this. Learning to cope with disappointment will help your kid later in life.
Let them persuade you:
The key is to use something he wants to get him to do something that is good for him. While discussing, let your child give you some good reasons for wanting what he wants. Probe him and question him. This will help him think rationally especially the next time when he asks for something.
Let them work for what they want:
If you keep giving everything they ask for easily, they will value it less. So what you can easily afford that new toy car he has asked for? Make him set a target to be deserving of that gift. Motivate him through this and you will see results.
Set limits and appreciate:
Be aware of what fits best for your child and set limits accordingly. If you know excess of ice cream will harm his health, set a limit of one scoop every few days. Make sure you appreciate him not asking and craving for more.
Be clear when you set limits:
It’s happened to everyone! You might get carried away when you look at those brown little puppy eyes they make, with the saddest frown you have ever seen, but be firm when you set limits.
Dialogue 1 - “Okay, you can take one bite of this chocolate”
Dialogue 2 - “Just one bite and that's it. No second one”
When you say the first one you are giving them room to persuade and manipulate you.
Don't let them beg:
Once your kid is convinced that begging works, he will always use it to manipulate you and get what he wants. You don't want your kid begging for what he wants in life, do you?
Make them do tasks, it is as important as having fun:
It is 5 in the evening and your kid wants to go to play. Began the persuasion techniques, the ‘pleases’, the promises. And you melt like an ice cube on a sunny day. You don't do your child any favors by being a softy. Giving your child tasks like cleaning the room, finishing certain homework will help them understand their responsibilities better.
It is never too late to reverse a spoiled behavior, you need to simply adjust your attitude towards them and follow these points.