It is YOUR fault your kids feel entitled

Are you finding that your child(ren) just doesn't listen, are constantly afraid of an embarrassing public meltdown, do your kids demand things all the time?


This is not a behaviour that just started one day - patterns were started unbeknownst to you long before and you are the common denominator.


A child without boundaries, limitations and hearing the word NO (and meaning it) will eventually feel entitled period end of story.


So what to do?  Well, for one start as early as possible with,


1) FOLLOW THROUGH!!! Do not make a statement or threat of punishment (like: you are going to go to your room if said behaviour doesn't stop) and not follow through. If you say you may not go out with your friends and then you let them - just what kind of message are you sending?


2) Do not fall in the trap of blindfully rewarding bad behaviour. What do I mean? For example Suzy misbehaves and continues to do so even after being asked to stop the behaviour. Once grounded Suzy pleas emotionally that she is sorry, Mom/Dad accept said apology and then reward the child with an ice cream or the like. Instead of saying "I am sorry Suzy your behaviour earlier was not acceptable and I will not reward you with a treat at this time. Let's try again tomorrow."


3) Say NO more often. Saying NO to your child(ren) is actually healthy for their development. It teaches them amongst other things that there are boundaries and they are to be respected. Ever see that child in the shopping mall where a parent tried to say NO and a meltdown ensues only to have the Mom give in to avoid embarrassment? Well had the Mom said NO more often this would probably not have happened. Think of it as building up a mental muscle in the child. Every NO helps to increase the muscle making no easier to hear and feel. Not to mention when the YES happens it will be that much more enjoyable and appreciated.


4) Stop doing EVERYTHING for them. Let them carry their own backpacks, let them dress themselves, let them make mistakes. Don't micro manage them. Here is a blog I wrote on that.
http://kathleensbabble.blogspot.ca/2015/11/stop-doing-everything-for-your-kids.html


Doing these few things will greatly improve your child's behaviour and help them along in life.


What are some of your parenting tricks, tips and advise?


Thank you for reading, please comment below.