How To Not Raise A Spoilt Teenager

Some teenagers complain that they have to work hard or not have any fun at all; but they do not have an idea about how fortunate they are to have some of the latest gadgets like an I Phone, while there are many who do not have the basic comforts of life. You can make sure your teenager is not spoilt by adopting a proactive approach.

Some ways to not raise a spoilt teenager: 

Assign your teenager daily chores and responsibilities: You could assign daily chores and responsibilities for the teen like cleaning their room, caring for the pet or helping take care of the younger siblings; this will make them understand how difficult it is for the house to run smoothly. If you constantly do chores for your teenager or remind him/her, one will become used to having being waited on.

Proactively foster gratitude in your teenager: It is easy for teenagers to overlook all the things that they have in life; it would help to foster gratitude in our teenagers, so that they are happy with what one has and does not demand more. It is best to teach the child to be grateful for the little things that they get daily like fresh air to breathe and plenty of fresh water to drink. 

Convey the message that privileges are to be earned: Teenagers should be made to understand that privileges like a cell phone, watching TV or getting money for a movie have to be earned; outline the expectations that must be met in order for him/her to have those extra privileges. 

Promote altruism in your teenager: When a teenager is engaged in the practice of unselfish concern for the welfare of others he/she is less likely to complain; it would be difficult for a teenager to complain for lack of clothes when he/she is serving food to the homeless people and a teenager would not complain about doing much math homework when he/her is raising money for kids to get an opportunity to go to school.  

Make it a family effort to educate, enable and empower underprivileged children: It could be regular checking in on neighbors to help or participating in fund-raising events like local charities; this would decrease the feeling in the teenager that the world owes him/her something. 

Praise appropriate behavior to fuel feelings of self-importance: Praise your teenager when he/she does well in sports or studies and when one behaves kindly and shows gratitude to other people. This would place an importance on being a good person rather than on being the best. 

Stick to rules and limits: Establish clear rules and stick to your limits with your teenager and follow through the consequences when necessary; do not give in just because your child complains or turns rude. 

Lastly allow your teen to experience discomfort: Allow your teenager to face the consequences of his/her behavior and do not rescue him/her from all their problems; this would help her/him to reduce the feelings of entitlement. 

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