Parenting is a lot like the weather. Some days are bright and sunny, others are gloomy and hard to face. Preparing and guiding families through ever-changing conditions comes with a load of pressure and constant scrutiny from strangers, friends and family.
People are quick to judge your involvement in your child's life as a form of helicopter parenting and your lack of involvement as a form of obvious neglect. It seems like no matter how hard you try at this parenting thing, there is always someone who will believe you are doing it wrong.
Although there are many things your child will do that are not your fault, some of their bratty behaviors may be your fault.
Below are seven ways you may be contributing to their brattiness. Are you guilty of any?
1. Excuse behavior as a way to express themselves
Have you ever uttered the phrase, "This is just what toddlers do," or "It is just a phase," under your breath? If you do, you could be in for a lot of trouble down the road. Author of the book, "Your Kid's a Brat and It's All Your Fault," Elaine Rose Glickman, warns parents about allowing young children to slide under the radar of punishment without any consequences. She said, "If there's no way of holding them accountable for their behavior, then at that young age, you're turning your child, unfortunately, into a brat."
2. Growing up is not an option
Parents love to hold on and embrace the youthfulness of their children. Unwillingness to let your little ones grow up can produce kids who are not responsibile or self-reliant and can stunt their ability to mature. Letting your children understand they cannot always get what they want, when they want it, will help them become responsible for their actions.
3. Never let them take the blame
Your child will always be close to perfect in your eyes, so it is easy to blame their poor behavior on reasons other than their own choices and freewill. Children today are exposed to multiple television shows, memes, YouTube videos and tweets that encourage disrespect towards adults. Even when you are not the one who taught your child the poor behavior, it is still your responsibility to reprimand them.
4. Always at your kids' service
Several parents believe a good mom or dad has to be at their child's beck and call 24/7. That is a false and tainted expectation that fosters the development of entitled children. Instead of raising kids that expect you to praise and fawn over them incessantly, raise them to be contributing members of society that find joy in serving others. They will come to recognize your service to them is a form of unconditional love.
5. Ignore entitlement
Saying "no" to your kid is never fun or easy. If you struggle to set boundaries with your children and fold every time they ask for something, you are raising them to be accustomed to the word "yes." Despite whining, temper tantrums and raised voices, parents must avoid giving into the demands of their child. Disappointment can provide them with the opportunity to learn and grow from critical life lessons.
