Are you raising a spoilt brat?

If your child often throws tantrums, in public and at home, and doesn’t care who is watching, be worried. Be very worried, if they are never satisfied with what they have. Be concerned when your little one wants everything their sibling or friend has. You are in serious trouble if they won’t put away their books or shoes. You might have noticed these behaviours in your child and be wondering what is wrong. Your suspicions have been confirmed- you are raising a spoilt brat. On top of these signs, a spoilt brat may refuse to share. Little ones find it hard to share but once your child is four years old and still refuses to share his toys, his food or anything, they are showing signs of being a spoilt brat.

Not really your fault

The signs were always there -you having to beg or bribe him to do small tasks for you, him ignoring you when you speak to him or him insisting that you play with him.You probably thought it was a phase they were going to pass but no, it was a spoilt brat in the making.You might blame yourself and say that the intention was not to spoil your child. But over–indulgence can make a child spoilt, especially if he has already passed the toddler years. The good news is that it’s not entirely your fault. Educational psychologist Professor Bodenstein explains: “Children are by their nature selfish and self-centred. They are testing boundaries and can be nasty and have very bad manners.”

No reward for bad behaviour

Many parents struggle to find the balance between overindulging and spoiling their children.“Of course, you must give treats sometimes. But as soon as your child can understand, explain why you’re going to the shop and let him know that this time you’re not shopping for them. And don’t give in!” says Bodenstein. He adds that you need to start explaining the realities of life while your child is young. Children need to understand that parents have to work hard to afford things. They also need to understand that good behaviour is rewarded and bad behaviour is punished. “Children learn by repetition, so keep showing them right way.” How your child turns out is your responsibility.