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Parenting > Overindulgence

Overindulging children is giving them too much of what looks good, too soon, and for too long. In her book, How Much is Enough?, author Jean Illsley Clarke points out that overindulgence is a form of child neglect, as it adversely affects self esteem building. It hinders children from performing their needed developmental tasks, and from learning necessary life lessons.

The book discusses that there are three types of overindulgence: too much stuff, over-nurturing (doing things for kids that they can do for themselves), and soft structure (few or no rules and shielding kids from consequences). Children who are overindulged may face difficulties in many areas of life, continuing through adulthood. They may have trouble delaying gratification, not being the center of attention, becoming competent in every day skills, taking personal responsibility, knowing what is enough and knowing what is normal for others.

It can be very valuable for parents to know when what they are doing or how they are reacting may be overindulging their kids; and understanding the affect that overindulgence may have on a child's development. One-on-one guidance is available. If you want more information on how to know when it's overindulgence and when it's not, please contact us (+).

Self Esteem | Healthy Communication