SelfhelpMagazine

Am I Spoiling My Young Child?

by Dr. Joan Simeo Munson

The word "spoiled" is a loaded term, one that has many levels of meaning for us as parents. You may envision a nagging in-law saying your children are "spoiled," you may remember a kindly grandparent "spoiling" you as a young child, or an unruly, "spoiled" kid you see in the grocery store who throws a fit to get what he wants. In this article, I am defining "spoiled" as any situation in which a child is in control and a parent is not.

First of all, know that we all spoil our kids at some point. Whether you have a hard time setting limits, allow too much emotional leeway...