Parents Beware: 21 Common Habits That Secretly Teach Kids to Be Entitled

Julie Ann - July 2, 2025

Entitlement in children doesn’t develop overnight—it often grows quietly, nurtured by seemingly harmless everyday habits. Many parents, with the best intentions, may unknowingly reinforce behaviors that lead kids to expect privileges or rewards without effort. These subtle actions can start as small gestures but gradually shape a child’s view of the world and their place in it. Understanding how our own behaviors influence our children is crucial. Self-awareness is the first step to raising resilient, grateful individuals instead of those who feel the world owes them.

NEXT >>

1. Always Saying Yes to Requests

When parents rarely say no to their children, it can set the stage for unrealistic expectations. For example, always buying a new toy at the store or allowing extra screen time “just this once” sends a message that wishes will always be granted. Over time, kids may find it difficult to cope with disappointment or respect boundaries, expecting the world to cater to their every desire.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. Rarely Assigning Chores or Responsibilities

When children are excused from chores, they may grow up thinking that basic tasks are beneath them or someone else’s responsibility. In contrast, families that involve kids in household duties teach valuable lessons in accountability and teamwork. Regular participation in chores helps children appreciate effort and cooperation—skills that serve them well beyond the family home.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. Rewarding Every Minor Achievement

Showering children with praise and prizes for routine tasks—like finishing homework or cleaning up—can have unintended consequences. When every small effort is met with a reward, kids may lose their drive to accomplish things simply for the satisfaction of doing them. This constant validation can also inflate their sense of importance, making them expect recognition for even the most basic efforts.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. Shielding Children from Consequences

When parents intervene to prevent consequences, it robs children of important learning experiences. Whether it’s making excuses to teachers for a missed assignment or fixing every mistake before it causes discomfort, these actions teach kids that someone will always rescue them. Over time, children may struggle to own their actions or learn from setbacks, undermining their personal growth and sense of responsibility.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. Giving Material Rewards for Good Behavior

Offering gifts or cash for fulfilling basic expectations, like behaving at dinner or finishing homework, can set a dangerous precedent. Kids may begin to view positive actions as transactions, expecting tangible rewards for what should be normal responsibilities. Over time, this approach can erode intrinsic motivation and make it harder for children to appreciate the value of good behavior on its own.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. Allowing Disrespectful Behavior

When parents overlook rude language or allow backtalk without consequence, children quickly learn that disrespect is acceptable. Whether at home or in public situations—such as interrupting adults or ignoring polite requests—this tolerance sends the wrong signal. Without clear boundaries, kids may grow to believe that courtesy is optional and that their words or actions don’t need to respect others.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. Prioritizing Children’s Wants Over Family Needs

When a child’s preferences always come first—choosing dinner, entertainment, or family activities—it can foster self-centeredness. While accommodating everyone occasionally is important, consistently giving in for convenience teaches kids that their desires outweigh the needs of others. Balanced decision-making, where everyone’s input is valued, helps children understand compromise and the importance of considering the group.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. Making Excuses for Bad Behavior

When parents rationalize misbehavior—blaming a tantrum on being tired or a rude comment on hunger—they inadvertently teach kids to dodge accountability. This pattern is common at playdates or family gatherings, where parents smooth over conflicts rather than address them directly. Over time, children may fail to recognize the impact of their actions and feel justified in behaving poorly whenever they have an excuse.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. Overindulging with Technology

Granting children unlimited screen time or always upgrading to the newest devices can quickly foster a sense of entitlement. Kids may grow accustomed to constant entertainment and expect instant gratification at all times. Without healthy limits, they can struggle to manage boredom or appreciate non-digital experiences, making it harder to develop patience and creativity.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. Not Teaching Gratitude

When families skip gratitude rituals—like saying thank you or reflecting on what they appreciate—children may begin to take privileges and kindness for granted. Without regular conversations or reminders about thankfulness, kids can overlook the efforts of others and expect good things as a given. Encouraging gratitude helps children recognize value in everyday moments and fosters a more humble outlook.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. Fixing Every Problem for Them

Parents who rush to solve every issue—retrieving forgotten homework or replacing lost items—can hinder their child’s ability to develop resilience. When kids are shielded from the natural consequences of their mistakes, they miss valuable opportunities to learn problem-solving skills. Over time, this habit can create an expectation that someone will always step in, reducing their confidence and independence.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. Letting Kids Interrupt Conversations

Allowing children to interrupt adults or other kids without correction sends the message that their needs are always the top priority. This habit can undermine respect for others and disrupt social interactions. In contrast, families who gently teach kids to wait their turn or listen first help foster patience and respect, setting the groundwork for healthy communication skills.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

13. Providing Luxury Items as the Norm

Routinely giving children designer clothes, the latest gadgets, or extravagant vacations can lead them to see luxury as a baseline expectation. This habit sets an unrealistic standard for what’s ‘normal’ in life and can make it difficult for kids to appreciate simpler joys. Without perspective, they may struggle with contentment and develop an ongoing desire for more.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

14. Ignoring Opportunities to Volunteer or Help Others

When families overlook volunteering or simple acts of kindness, children miss out on valuable lessons in empathy and community. Skipping service projects, charity events, or even helping a neighbor can narrow a child’s perspective, making it harder for them to appreciate others’ needs. Encouraging kids to give back fosters compassion and helps them understand the importance of contributing to something beyond themselves.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

15. Solving Conflicts for Them

When parents step in to resolve every argument—whether between siblings or friends—children miss the chance to develop crucial conflict resolution skills. Constant mediation teaches kids to rely on adults to smooth things over, rather than learning to compromise or negotiate on their own. Over time, this habit can lead to frustration and helplessness when faced with disagreements outside the home.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

16. Letting Kids Dictate Family Plans

When children are consistently allowed to choose family outings, meals, or schedules, they may believe their preferences always come first. This dynamic can unintentionally teach kids that their wants outweigh those of other family members. Healthy families encourage input from everyone, helping children learn to compromise and appreciate the needs and desires of the group.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

17. Not Setting or Enforcing Boundaries

When parents fail to set or enforce clear boundaries, children may come to believe that rules are optional. Inconsistent discipline or the absence of consequences can encourage kids to push limits without concern for repercussions. Clear, consistent boundaries help children understand expectations and foster a sense of security, while also teaching respect for others and the world around them.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

18. Downplaying the Value of Hard Work

When parents fail to highlight the importance of effort and persistence, children may start to expect rewards without truly earning them. If success is presented as effortless or achievements are celebrated without acknowledging the dedication involved, kids may underestimate the real value of hard work. Teaching the connection between effort and outcome helps foster resilience and a healthy, grounded sense of achievement.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

19. Comparing Siblings or Peers Unfavorably

Frequently comparing children to their siblings or peers can breed entitlement in subtle ways. Constantly highlighting one child’s strengths or achievements over another’s may foster rivalry or a false sense of superiority. Over time, kids may feel they deserve special treatment or recognition, rather than learning to value their own unique qualities and appreciate the strengths of others.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

20. Overpraising Intelligence or Talent

When parents praise only intelligence or natural talent rather than effort, children may develop entitled attitudes toward success. Believing that they are inherently gifted can make kids expect rewards without putting in hard work, and they may struggle to cope with setbacks. Recognizing perseverance and growth helps children understand that achievement is earned, not simply given.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

21. Never Letting Kids Be Bored

When parents rush to fill every moment with activities or entertainment, children may lose the ability to manage boredom on their own. This constant stimulation teaches kids to expect excitement at all times and can diminish their creativity and self-reliance. Allowing space for unstructured time helps children develop problem-solving skills and appreciate quieter moments in life.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

Conclusion

The habits we practice each day—often without realizing—can quietly shape our children’s attitudes and expectations. Small, mindful changes in how we set boundaries, praise effort, and encourage gratitude can make a profound difference. By reflecting on our routines and making intentional choices, we empower our kids to develop independence, resilience, and a genuine sense of appreciation. Let’s strive to model the values we hope to see, raising children who are prepared for life’s challenges and joys.

<< Previous