There’s a fine line between raising confident children and raising entitled ones.

But where does that line blur? It’s all in the habits we instill.

Raising kids who think the world owes them a favor can result from certain behaviors we may not even realize we’re demonstrating.

This is about eight of those habits we unknowingly adopt when raising kids that could make them feel entitled. Let’s dive in before these habits turn our little ones into spoiled adults.

1) Overindulgence

It’s a natural instinct to want to give our kids the world.

But the problem arises when we start supplying their every whim without hesitation.

This overindulgence, whether it be with material goods, attention, or leniency, can set a dangerous precedent.

Kids who are always given what they want begin to expect this as the norm. They grow up with a sense of entitlement, assuming that life will always hand them what they desire on a silver platter.

But life doesn’t work that way, and it’s our job as parents to prepare them for that reality.

In short, it’s essential to strike a balance between fulfilling their needs and teaching them the value of hard work and patience.

2) Lack of responsibility

Let me share a personal example with you. My nephew, Jack, was never asked to do chores while growing up. His parents believed in letting him enjoy his childhood to the fullest.

Now, as a teenager, Jack struggles with basic responsibilities. His room is a mess, he doesn’t help around the house, and he expects his mom to pick up after him all the time.

This lack of responsibility taught him that it’s someone else’s job to take care of things for him. He’s grown into an entitled individual who expects others to cater to his needs constantly.

It’s a stark reminder that teaching your kids responsibility from an early age is vital. It can be as simple as having them clean their room or help with dinner. Small tasks like these will teach them that they are part of a community that shares responsibilities and that they too have a role to play.

3) Lack of consequences

Here’s something to ponder: A study published in the Journal of Personality found that children who grow up without facing consequences for their actions have a higher risk of developing narcissistic traits.

When we constantly shield our children from the repercussions of their actions, they don’t learn the concept of cause and effect. They begin to believe that they can get away with anything without any negative consequences.

This can lead to them growing up feeling entitled, assuming that rules and regulations don’t apply to them, which is a far cry from reality.

Teaching our kids that actions have consequences is a crucial part of their moral development. It helps instill a sense of responsibility and accountability in them.

4) Constant praise

As parents, we love to see our kids happy. It’s tempting to praise them for every little thing they do, thinking it boosts their confidence.

However, constant, unwarranted praise can create a false sense of superiority. Kids may start to think that they are better than others and that they are entitled to special treatment.

Praising your child is important, but it should be done in a balanced way. It’s crucial to acknowledge their effort and improvement, not just the outcome. This way, we can raise children who value hard work and persistence, rather than feeling entitled to success without effort.

5) Not allowing failure

As a parent, it’s painful to watch your child fail. We want to swoop in and save the day, protect them from the sting of disappointment.

But in reality, failure is one of life’s greatest teachers. It teaches resilience, perseverance, and the value of hard work.

When we don’t allow our children to experience failure, they grow up thinking they are entitled to success. They may become adults who crumble at the first sign of adversity because they’ve never learned to cope with it.

Letting your child fail is not a sign of neglectful parenting. On the contrary, it shows that you trust in their ability to rise again and learn from their mistakes. It’s a tough love lesson that will prepare them for the real world.

6) Not teaching empathy

I remember my daughter coming home from school one day, upset because her friend didn’t want to play with her. I could have easily dismissed it, telling her it’s okay and her friend will come around.

But instead, we sat down and I asked her to put herself in her friend’s shoes. Maybe her friend just wanted some alone time or was having a bad day.

This simple exercise of teaching empathy helped my daughter understand others’ feelings and perspectives better. Today, she’s grown into a caring and considerate individual who values others’ feelings.

If we don’t teach our kids empathy, they may grow up thinking their needs and desires are more important than others’. They may become entitled individuals who lack consideration for others.

Teaching empathy helps children understand that the world doesn’t revolve around them, fostering a sense of respect for others’ feelings and needs.

7) Always taking their side

It’s a natural instinct to defend our children when they’re in trouble. After all, we want them to know that we have their backs.

But always taking their side, even when they’re wrong, doesn’t do them any favors. It sends them the message that they can do no wrong and that they are entitled to always be right.

Instead, we should teach them that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes. This will not only make them more humble but also more open to learning and improving.

Remember, our role as parents is not to be our children’s defense lawyers, but their guides in understanding right from wrong.

8) Neglecting to set boundaries

Boundaries are vital in raising well-adjusted kids. They provide a sense of security and teach respect for others.

When we fail to set boundaries, our kids may grow up thinking they can do whatever they please without any regard for others. They may become entitled, assuming that the world should conform to their desires.

Establishing boundaries helps children understand that their actions affect others and that they need to respect other people’s rights and feelings, just as they want theirs to be respected. This is pivotal in shaping them into considerate and empathetic individuals.

Final thoughts: It’s a journey

Raising children is a journey filled with love, joy, challenges, and constant learning.

The habits we form as parents can significantly impact the individuals our children grow to become. As we’ve explored, certain behaviors, however well-intentioned, can sometimes lead to fostering a sense of entitlement in our kids.

But remember, no parent is perfect. We all make mistakes and have moments of doubt. What’s important is our willingness to reflect, learn, and adapt for the betterment of our children.

Whether it’s teaching them empathy, allowing them to fail, setting boundaries, or simply not overindulging them – every little habit counts in molding their character.

As we embark on this parenting journey, let’s strive to raise children who are not just confident but also humble, considerate, and empathetic. After all, as Frederick Douglass beautifully put it, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”