As children get older, they start to feel like they are entitled to certain things and will demand a lot more from their parents.
Many mums can be driven crazy by their tween’s insistence especially as they can become quite rude if they don’t get what they want. Most youngsters at this stage are very self-centred and they don’t understand just how their attitude affects others around them.
Before you panic though, you should know that you are not alone and a sense of entitlement is actually a necessary phase that tweens go through. However, while it is a part of their development, your job is to point them in the right direction and teach them about self control.
It is important that you don’t give in to their demands but if you do slip up once or twice there is no need to get down about it. However, if you find yourself giving in to things that you really wanted to say no to then you are inadvertently contributing to your youngster’s sense of entitlement. The risk of over indulging them is that they will become ungrateful and unsatisfied.
It is imperative to teach your child that even though they may want something thing it doesn’t mean that they will get it. Encourage them to manage their feelings and to learn the art of restraint and boundaries. Remember, it is part of their progression into adulthood and most kids are not being intentionally mean or greedy.
When you do refuse a demand, explain why you have said no so that they understand why they can’t have it. If you want, offer them an alternative like saving up to get it themselves. They will learn a sense of responsibility and the importance of hard work.
We live in a world of material things, so don’t blame your little one if you find they are constantly demanding things they see in the media. Rather, sit down with them and talk about the power of advertising and its role in society.
By keeping the lines of communication open, you will both be able to get through this stage of development without any major stumbles.
