If you’ve ever wondered about the long-term effects of spoiling children, you’re not alone. Many adults who were overly indulged during their childhood often display certain distinctive behaviors.

From my extensive experience and research, I’ve identified a pattern of 7 common behaviors that are often exhibited by individuals who were spoiled as children.

These behaviors can range from having difficulty dealing with rejection to an inflated sense of entitlement.

Understanding these behaviors is not only crucial for recognizing the aftermath of a spoiled childhood, but also serves as a guide for parents aiming to foster balanced growth in their children. 

So, what are these behaviors that link back to being spoiled in childhood? Let’s delve into these nuanced patterns in the following section.

1) Struggle with handling rejection

One common behavior exhibited by adults who were spoiled as children is a distinct struggle with handling rejection. This is because, growing up, they were often shielded from disappointment and always got their way.

As adults, this manifests as an inability to cope with situations where things don’t go as planned.

They may react negatively when their ideas are not accepted at work or when they experience failure in some aspect of their lives. This can range from reacting with extreme disappointment to showing signs of anger or resentment.

Such individuals usually have a hard time understanding that in life, it’s not always about winning or getting what you want.

Often, they lack the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, a trait that is crucial for personal and professional growth.

2) Inflated sense of entitlement

Another telltale sign of adults who were spoiled as children is an inflated sense of entitlement. This behavior stems from their childhood where they were often given whatever they wanted without having to earn it.

Consequently, they grow up expecting the world to cater to their needs and wants.

This sense of entitlement can manifest in various ways. They may demand special treatment, feel that rules don’t apply to them, or believe they deserve success without putting in the effort.

They may also lack appreciation for others’ efforts because they expect to be served without reciprocation.

This behavior can create friction in personal relationships and professional environments where cooperation and mutual respect are essential.

Moving forward, we’ll delve into a slightly different behavior that stems from being spoiled as a child: difficulty with compromise.

3) Difficulty with compromise

As someone who witnessed firsthand the impact of being spoiled as a child, I’ve observed how it can manifest in difficulty compromising.

Growing up, these individuals were accustomed to having their desires catered to without considering others’ perspectives. Their own needs took precedence, often overshadowing the feelings of those around them.

This reluctance to compromise can strain relationships, whether personal or professional. They risk being labeled as selfish or uncooperative, leading to social alienation or workplace conflicts.

Real-life situations demand negotiation and compromise, be it sharing living space or collaborating on projects. Failing to do so can result in a myriad of challenges.

4) Obsession with material possessions

As adults, those who were spoiled as children often develop an obsession with material possessions.

This behavior can be traced back to their childhood when they were regularly showered with gifts as a means of appeasement or demonstration of love. As a result, they begin to equate material possessions with happiness and success.

This obsession often leads them to continuously seek more expensive items, find satisfaction in flaunting their wealth, and measure their worth based on what they own.

This behaviour, however, tends to create a superficial sense of fulfilment that doesn’t contribute to genuine happiness or contentment.

5) Poor financial management skills

A common trait found in adults who were spoiled as children is poor financial management skills.

Since they were frequently given what they wanted without understanding the value of money, they often struggle with budgeting and making sound financial decisions in adulthood.

They may frequently overspend, live beyond their means, or rely on others for financial support. They may also struggle to understand the importance of saving and investing for the future.

This lack of financial literacy can lead to a cycle of debt, financial instability, and stress. It’s important to note that these habits can be unlearned with proper guidance and discipline.

6) Lack of responsibility

Another common trait among adults who were spoiled as children is a lack of responsibility.

Having been catered to throughout their childhood, they often don’t understand the concept of taking ownership of their actions.

They may be quick to blame others for their mistakes or failures, failing to acknowledge their own role in the outcome.

This avoidance of responsibility can be detrimental in both personal and professional settings. It can hamper their growth and learning, as acknowledging mistakes is key to personal development and improvement.

7) Difficulty in maintaining long-term relationships

The final common behavior exhibited by adults who were spoiled as children is difficulty in maintaining long-term relationships.

This struggle is often a product of the previous behaviors we’ve discussed, such as a lack of compromise, an inflated sense of entitlement, and an inability to take responsibility.

These traits can make it challenging for them to develop meaningful, lasting relationships.

They may have unrealistic expectations from their partners or friends, struggle with conflict resolution, or fail to consider others’ needs and feelings.

Long-term relationships require mutual respect, understanding, and the ability to compromise – traits that adults who were spoiled as children often find hard to cultivate.

Shape your destiny: Rewire, transform, thrive!

In essence, it’s crucial to realize that while your upbringing may have shaped you, it does not define you. As adults, we have the power to rewire our behaviors and cultivate healthier habits.

Self-awareness is key. Acknowledge these behaviors, understand where they stem from, and consciously work towards transforming them.

Seek professional help if needed – therapists, counselors, and coaches can provide valuable insights and tools to navigate this journey.

Remember, change is a process and it takes time. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and don’t be disheartened by setbacks. It’s not about achieving perfection but about continuous growth and development.

Even as parents, being aware of these behaviors can help prevent the cycle from repeating with your children.

Strive for a balanced approach to parenting – one that fosters independence, resilience, empathy, and responsibility in your children.