10 Signs Your Child Is Turning Into A Spoiled Brat

Trine Jensen-Burke

When I looked around our sitting room yesterday, post the unwrapping frenzy, I must admit I worried briefly about whether or not or two children are getting spoiled.

Which, I am sure, was something I was not alone in, as parents across the nation (and beyond) desperately try to figure out where all the new STUFF is going to go. I mean; there is only so many Malibu Dream Houses and My Little Pony castles and giant race tracks a house can hold before the walls burst, no? And don’t get me started on the four million Shopkins and five miles of Brio train tracks and more battery run moving objects than we had actual batteries for.

But then I justified this by thinking to myself that half the stuff they got was from family and friends abroad, who doesn’t get to “spoil” them throughout the year, and go to town then come Christmas. Also, we really don’t buy them toys randomly, and feel like it is OK then, at Christmas, to let wishes be granted. And, and this is a big one, they were genuinely happy and delighted and grateful for every present they opened, which must be a good thing, no?

But the fear still hovers a little, though, as having children who, especially to others, come across as spoiled and ungrateful, is my worst fear. We all know you can’t spoil babies (no matter how much you rock and snuggle them!), but once they have passed the toddler years, overindulgence can make for one ill-behaved tot. But while it is easy to pick out the spoiled kid at a party or in the park, turning a critical eye on ourselves and our own children can be much harder.

If you (like most of us at times, I am sure) are worried you have a spoiled child on your hands, here is a list of ten signs that can indicate that you have to make some pretty severe changes:

1 She throws tantrums, often

The surest sign of a spoiled child is one who frequently throws temper tantrums, both in public and at home.

2. He isn’t ever satisfied

Spoiled children often can’t express satisfaction with what they have. If they see someone else with something, they will want that instead.

3. He isn’t helpful

No child likes to clean up, but once the toddler years have passed, he should be willing to help with smaller tasks, such as cleaning up his toys and putting his shoes away.

4. She tries to control adults

Spoiled children often don’t delineate between their peers and adults, expecting both to listen to them at all times.

5. She won’t share

Sharing is a difficult concept for little ones to master, but once a child reaches the age of 4, she should be more willing to share toys, snacks, etc. with friends and siblings.

6. He frequently embarrasses you in public

A slip-up here and there is normal, but when a tot purposely embarrasses his parent in public for the sake of attention, the situation moves beyond an isolated event.

7. He ignores you

No child likes to hear the word “no,” but he shouldn’t ignore you when you speak to him.

8. You have to beg her

A parent or caretaker is an authority figure and should be obeyed when a request is made. You should not need to beg your child to have a task completed.

9. She won’t play alone

By the age of 4, a child should be willing (and able) to play on her own for a stretch of time. Needing a parent or playmate to play with demonstrates her need for attention.

10 You have to bribe him

Parents should not have to bribe their children with money, toys, treats, or the like in order to get them to do routine tasks.

Do YOU ever worry about your children being spoiled? What measures are you taking to make sure that doesn’t happen? Let us know in an e-mail to Trine.Jensen@Herfamily.ie