So You Want To Make Your Kids Happy!

“I only want my kids to be happy” seems to be a simple, harmless, admirable desire. Yet, such an orientation frequently leads to parents giving kids too much stuff and too many experiences, at too early an age. The upshot: These kids are anything but happy. 

Instead of happiness, overindulgence frequently results in kids who have an exaggerated sense of entitlement. Kids who expect that their every whim should be fulfilled. Kids who have a total disregard for the value of things (and, sometimes, for other people as well). Kids who have low frustration tolerance.  Kids who are insecure. Kids who can't make choices. Kids who nag, beg, and pester their parents unmercifully.

Next time you have a desire to give your kids everything they want, curb your enthusiasm. Otherwise, you might end up with unappreciative, unhappy children who have trouble coping with the inevitable ups and downs of life.