A few days ago, I took a screening quiz to see if I was raising a spoiled brat! :pThis test applies to especially parents with kids of at least 2-3 years of age. For me, I just imagine how Sarah would react in certain situation when she's at that age, doing what she's doing now. But of course, some situation cannot be determined yet and only time will tell. Well, this is the result I got... (oh! oh...)
Your child does have one or more signs of being a spoiled brat. Do remember that many of these behaviors are normal for younger children, but should become much less frequent once your child is 2 or 3 years old, at which time temper tantrums, etc., should be more the exception than the rule of the day. You said that your child has one or more of the following signs of being a spoiled brat, including that he does:
* have frequent temper tantrums
* act very demanding and always want to get his own way
* fight, protest, or say "no" to everything
* rarely follow your rules
* rarely listen when you say "no" or "stop"
* frequently try to control other children and adults
* frequently complain that he is bored and will not play on his own
* not understand that there is a difference between what he needs and what he wants
* have little respect for what other people want
* not follow a schedule and just does things when he wants to, including choosing nap time, when to go to bed, and what to eat
* not understand that there are consequences for not following the rules
* frequently hit, bite, and yell when he doesn't get his way
* play with new toys for about 5 minutes and then wants something new
You said that your child does not have one or more of the following signs of being a spoiled brat, including that he does not:
* get frustrated easily
* demand to have every new toy that he sees on TV
* frequently interrupt you (and not in the polite way by saying "excuse me") when you are on the phone, etc.
* keep you from going out to dinner or doing other things in public because you are afraid of how he will act
* need bribes to get him to do anything
* usually have trouble playing with other kids because he is always bossy and never shares
* scare away every babysitter within 20 miles of your home
It can't be fun having a child who is a spoiled brat. The frequent crying and whining must quickly wear you down. Unfortunately, giving in may work in the short term, stopping a tantrum, but it just teaches your child that his misbehavior works to get him what he wants.
If you don't want your child to become spoiled, learn to set limits, have daily routines, and be consistent.
If you need extra help, review our discipline guide, read a discipline book, talk to your Pediatrician, or even get help from a child psychologist.
And remember that a spoiled child is not a happy child. You may think that you are doing the right thing by giving your child everything he wants and not having any limits, but he is going to be in for a rude awakening when he finally discovers that the rest of the world isn't going to bend over backwards to keep him happy.
You can start the quiz here: Spoiled Brat Screening Quiz.
This quiz gave me an idea of how it's like to be a parent of a toddler... and a spoilt one? (oh boy...) Well, it's definitely not too late to learn and be of help to our children. Our kids need our guidance as parents and let's be there for them - teaching them what's right and what's not. There are many things (not-so-nice-things) that weren't taught to them (I'd like to say to blame it on Adam & Eve! :p) Surely, it would be challenging but also, praying that God will grant us the wisdom and the know-how to raise our children in His image, in this ever so challenging times we're living in.
