The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “entitlement” as:

: the condition of having a right to have, do, or get something

: the feeling or belief that you deserve to be given something (such as special privileges)

Let’s get something straight right from the get go.  This is not intended to be a political rant.  Any comments in that vein will be tossed without a second thought.  In between studying for my state licensing exam I have been hitting up the pages that I like in FaceCrack.  One article that I came across was titled “9 Things We Should Get Rid Of To Help Our Kids.”

Now, as a parent of 4 kids I can think of many things that we should get rid of to help our kids.  Just 9?  Pffftt…interesting, but such a short list.  Anyhoo… the author lists the following:

Buying our kids things out of guilt.  We want our kids to feel equal to their friends.  Unfortunately, that isn’t viable at all times.  Some of my/your/our friends are better off financially, and some are worse off financially.

Overspending on birthdays, holidays, just because days.  See the above.  This is easy to do especially with girls.  New season, new styles, new ways to spend money you don’t have because you know…you HAVE to be up with the new trends.

Birthday party goody bag mentality.  Since when did we have to give the kids who came to our kids birthday parties a gift?  What the hell is that all about?

Making everything about our kids.  Kids need attention.  Kids do not need to be the nexus of the universe.  Just as everything is not all about me, or you…..everything is not all about our kids.

Making our kids happy all the time.  Life is not about being eternally happy, unless you are that heavily medicated.  Life is about winning, and losing.  Ups and downs.  The quicker our kids learn this, the easier it will be for them when they are out on their own.

Made up awards…The infamous “participation” awards.  You know the ones our kids get for just showing up.  The ones that take the sting off of not winning.  See the above.

Fixing all of their problems.  Sort of goes along with trying to make them happy all the time.

And this last one is what got to me.  Unrealistic expectations.  Which pretty much goes along with every one of the above bullet points.  And I can agree to all of this up until the author made the comment about “just because I have an Iphone doesn’t mean that my kids should.”

I firmly believe that you should be able to go out and buy what you want for yourself.  That if you want a particular item, and you can afford it…go ahead.  Knock yourself out.  But understand that if you project an image to your kids of wanting and going after all the new toys, they are going to learn that from you and potentially do the same thing.    I know that this sounds like I am talking out of both sides of my mouth here.  But I don’t believe that I am.  Teaching your children how money works, and good money management is a good thing.  Teaching your kids about impulse control is also a good thing.

In relation to this last photo, I think that Dads need to be included in the commentary also.  Fathers have as much influence on their kids as Mothers do.  As parents, the worse thing you can do is present a divided front to your kids.  It never ends up good.

So.  What are your thoughts on this little bit of treacle?  Comments are welcome, as long as they are not of a political nature.