Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.  Proverbs 23:13 

 

An ‘attitude of entitlement’ is deadly. It destroys a child’s motivation and self-esteem. Our kids develop it when we allow them to think that they don’t have to work for anything, because it’s ‘owed’ to them. Parent, love your child, provide a secure home environment - but hold them accountable for their actions! Here are three reasons we fail to do this: (1) Misguided love: 'My kids shouldn’t have to struggle like I did' or 'I want them to have a good time growing up.' Kids interpret that kind of indulgence as: (a) lack of interest (b) taking the easy way out. Their demands then increase, because what they’re really saying is, 'I don’t want more stuff; I want you!' (2) Low expectations: Self-worth comes from achievement, and that can’t be inherited; it must be earned. Raise the bar. Give them something to reach for. Don’t rob them of the sense of fulfillment that comes from working hard to improve their grades, clean their rooms, and earn their way. (3) Guilt: Life’s busy; we all feel bad at times about not spending enough time with our kids. Other pressures produce guilt too. One 16 year-old told her dad he ‘owed’ her a car. And she got it! Know why? Because her parents were divorced, and her dad felt guilty about 'letting her down.' Don’t try to ‘buy’ your kids’ affection or you’ll only end up paying later. Want some advice? Don’t encourage an attitude of entitlement, '... correct your young ones... save them from something worse... ' (Proverbs 23:12 TM).