It is a common fear of most parents that their kids might grow up spoiled. Much more so if the kids are being left in the care of grandparents whom we all know can hardly say no to their grandkids. Well, this is the normal situation…kids get spoiled by grand parents and get disciplined by parents. Not so good, but this happens most of the times.
The first symptom of a child getting spoiled is when he started sprawling on the floor, crying and screaming, when he doesn’t get what he wants. This is the child’s way of controlling the situation and getting that power to manipulate the parents. So the main issue here is ‘power’. Unspoiling a child with already an attitude like this does not happen overnight though. Consistency is needed in the way the parents handle the situation and disciplining the child.
No matter how much though your child has become spoiled, there is always a possibility to discipline and raise your child the way you want. This will all depend on the child’s age, openness to change, and your consistency during the process.
It is very important, at all times, to let the child know that there are house rules he need to adhere to. Parents should also explain well to the child that breaking the rules will result to a consequence. Rules may cover the following areas of discipline: When and how long a child can watch the television; what time should the child should eat meal; what time does the child need to do homework; when is the time to reward the child or buy a toy for good behaviour and for accomplishing something; what time is bedtime, etc.
In disciplining your child and imposing houserules, success will depend on how consistent you are as parents. It is worthy to mention too that being a model to our kids play an important factor in rearing a well disciplined child.
I wish I can be a good parent someday. I mea, I even have a hard time disciplining myself! ^^