Beyond Awareness: Celebrating World Autism Day 2025 with Action
Apr 02, 2025By Meera Iyer
The sound is unmistakable—a child's voice rising to a wail in the grocery store, demanding the latest toy or candy. Parents exchange knowing glances as an embarrassed adult tries to navigate the storm of emotions. What was once considered occasional childish behavior has evolved into something more concerning: a generation of children who don't just want everything but expect it as their right.
For worried parents, this phenomenon raises urgent questions: How did we get here? Is it too late to change course? And most importantly, what role have we played in creating this problem?
What Does Entitlement Look Like?
First, let’s clarify what entitlement means. It’s not just about being spoiled or getting everything you want. It’s deeper than that. An entitled child believes they deserves special treatment and rewards without having to earn them. Think about it:
- Instant Gratification: Have you ever seen a toddler throw a fit in the grocery store because they wants a candy bar right now? That’s entitlement in action.
- Lack of Accountability: How about that middle schooler who blames their teacher for bad grades? “I didn’t turn in my homework because the teacher didn’t assign it on time.” Sound familiar?
- Discomfort with Frustration: Your teenager might complain endlessly about not getting the latest phone because “everyone else has one.” They can’t handle the idea of waiting or working for what they want.
These behaviors are signs that something is off, and while kids will naturally act entitled at times, it’s crucial to recognize when it becomes a pattern.
How Did We Get Here?
The current generation of children is growing up in unprecedented circumstances. Digital devices offer instant gratification at the touch of a button. Social media platforms showcase curated, perfect lives, creating unrealistic expectations. The continuous stream of content and immediate responses trains young minds to expect everything to happen instantly.
Meanwhile, parents are caught in their own battles. Many are working longer hours than ever before while still trying to be present for their children. The guilt of not spending enough quality time often leads to compensating with material items—a new tablet, the latest gaming console, or brand-name clothing.
There's also the ongoing war between parenting styles. Some parents adhere to strict discipline, while others embrace permissive approaches. Then there are those trying to navigate the middle ground, often inconsistently. This confusion creates gaps that entitlement eagerly fills.
Perhaps most significantly, many parents simply want peace. After a long, stressful day, who wants to deal with a screaming tantrum in the grocery store? It's easier to hand over the candy bar than to endure the meltdown. The temporary calm seems worth it—until that behavior becomes a pattern.
Recognizing the Signs of Entitlement
Entitlement doesn't appear overnight. It develops gradually through repeated patterns of behavior. Here are some signs to watch for:
Mild Signs:
- Forgetting to say "please" and "thank you"
- Expecting new toys during routine shopping trips
- Showing minimal gratitude for gifts or experiences
- Reluctance to share with others
Moderate Signs:
- Frequent complaints about being "bored" despite having plenty of toys, activities, and opportunities
- Refusing to participate in family chores or responsibilities
- Blaming others when things go wrong
- Negotiating for rewards before completing basic expectations
Severe Signs:
- Regular tantrums when desires aren't immediately met
- Inability to handle the word "no."
- Showing disrespect to parents, teachers, or other authority figures
- Complete lack of awareness about others' needs or feelings
- Refusing to take responsibility for actions or mistakes
How Parents Can Reverse Entitlement
Now comes the tough love part: If you’ve noticed entitlement creeping into your child’s behavior, it’s time to take action. Here are some honest strategies that can help:
1. Teach Responsibility Through Chores
Kids need to learn that nothing comes for free. Assign them age-appropriate chores and stick with them—even if they complain! Chores teach accountability and show them that everyone has a role in keeping the household running smoothly.
2. Build Resilience by Letting Them Struggle
It’s hard to watch your child struggle, but stepping in all the time robs them of valuable lessons. Let them face challenges—whether it’s finishing homework on their own or dealing with friendship issues—while you offer guidance instead of solutions.
3. Encourage Gratitude Daily
Teach your kids gratitude by making it a daily practice. Have everyone share one thing they’re grateful for at dinner, or keep a family gratitude journal together. This helps shift their focus from what they want to appreciating what they already have.
4. Say No When Necessary
It might feel easier to give in when your child is throwing a fit, but saying no is essential for teaching boundaries. Kids need to learn that they can’t always have what they want and that dealing with disappointment is part of life.
5. Model Humility Yourself
Kids watch everything we do—so if you expect special treatment in public or complain about unfairness, guess what? They’ll mimic that behavior! Show humility and gratitude in your own life so they understand these values through your example.
Prevention: How to Avoid Entitlement Early On
If you’re reading this before entitlement becomes an issue in your home—great! Here are some practical tips for prevention:
- Set clear boundaries early on (e.g., “No screen time until homework is done”).
- Avoid overpraising ordinary tasks; focus on effort rather than outcomes.
- Limit exposure to social media until your child is old enough to understand its impact on self-esteem.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, entitlement doesn’t happen overnight—it builds over time based on our parenting choices and societal influences. While it’s easy to blame external factors like social media or peer pressure, we must take responsibility for how we respond as parents.
The good news? You can always start fresh by making intentional changes in your approach—and by modeling the values you want your child to embrace.
Be the first one to comment on this story.