Page 11 - IFV Issue 10 October 2023

Estate News

THE BRAT

FACTOR

No one wants to raise a spoilt
child. Would you know if your

child is a brat?

BY SUZETTE WEIDEMAN

here are several ways the latest they whine; they are spoilt if whining and say “no” to most requests;
generation of kids stands out. consistently gets them what they want. • They have difficulty following rules
TThey are more technologically Sometimes, in an effort to be kinder, or do not respond to limits set by
driven and appear to be interested gentler parents, moms and dads let their caregivers;
in materialism – even young children sweet little darlings get the upper hand. • They frequently attempt to control
have bought into the renewed focus It is time for the pendulum to swing. other children and adults, and have
on image and appearance. You can be gentle and still afford your trouble sharing or even playing with
Following in mom and dad’s proverbial children the opportunity to grow into other children because of bossiness;
footsteps, they ask to wear Nikes, not responsible, contributing members of • They have difficulty discerning
just takkies. How cute is it to see a two- society. between their needs and wants, and
year-old branding ‘Just Do It’ footwear? have little respect for the needs and
However, when your rapidly growing How to identify a spoilt brat wants of others;
pre-teen is used to being spoilt this You may ask whether your children • They become bored easily, show very
way, it becomes an expensive exercise. are spoilt. If they show any of the little patience and tend to express
Requests soon change to demands. following patterns of behaviour after anger physically by hitting, biting or
The result? No one wants to be seen in the age of two or three (according to yelling;
public with an angry child as it tarnishes www.pediatrics.about.com), they may • They cause you, the parent, to avoid
a carefully constructed public image. have difficulty with discipline and may, public places and to always have bribes
When parents have minimal authority indeed, be spoilt: ready
and children continually get their • They have frequent temper tantrums, • They act up even when you’re
own way by acting out, the children make demands and cannot accept it engaging in something, so you have
become spoilt. But contrary to popular when things do not go their way; difficulty finishing a story, a telephone
belief, children aren’t spoilt because • They get frustrated easily, fight, protest conversation or a task

The Villager • Issue 10 2023 • 9