Spoiled Rotten By Julie Surat The Halftime Buzzer Sounded Ju

Spoiled Rottenby Julie Surattthe Halftime Buzzer Sounded Just As The B

The passage discusses the pervasive issue of overindulgence and the decline of traditional values in raising children, emphasizing how modern parenting tendencies often lead to spoiled behaviors and a lack of resilience. It explores how societal shifts, fueled by an obsession with children's happiness and self-esteem, contribute to this trend. The article criticizes the rising practice of rewarding children financially for achievements and excessive praise, which can undermine their intrinsic motivation and sense of responsibility. It also examines the cultural roots of these attitudes, particularly the influence of the child-centered approach that emerged in the late 20th century, and the consequences of coddling children, including their reduced ability to cope with adversity and failure. The discussion includes expert insights from psychologist Richard Weissbourd, who argues that fostering genuine character traits requires shifting focus from fleeting feelings to developing empathy, resilience, and ethical values. The article calls for a reevaluation of parenting strategies to promote character-building over superficial praise, inspiring genuine motivation, and preparing children for real-world challenges.

Paper For Above instruction

In contemporary society, parenting practices have undergone significant transformation, often characterized by an overemphasis on children’s happiness, self-esteem, and immediate gratification. This shift has culminated in behaviors that can be termed as "spoiling," which has profound implications for children's emotional development, motivation, and resilience. The phenomenon is multifaceted, rooted in cultural, societal, and psychological factors that collectively undermine traditional values of discipline, perseverance, and character-building.

One of the central concerns highlighted in the discourse is the increasing tendency of parents to reward children financially and via praise for achievements such as making goals or excelling in sports and academics. For example, the narrative recounts a child being paid a dollar for scoring a goal and parents praising children excessively to boost their self-esteem. While the intention might be to motivate, such practices often result in fostering external motivation—children performing tasks for tangible rewards rather than internal satisfaction. This approach can erode the development of intrinsic motivation, which is essential for fostering self-discipline, perseverance, and moral responsibility.

Research by psychologists like Richard Weissbourd demonstrates that this child-centered obsession contributes to a culture of entitlement and superficial happiness at the expense of cultivating compassion, resilience, and ethical character. Weissbourd traces the origins of this trend back to the late 1980s, a period when self-esteem was lauded as the ultimate goal for children, believed to serve as a “social vaccine” against negative behaviors. This movement elevated the importance of feeling good, often at the expense of teaching children how to cope with adversity, failure, and setbacks. Consequently, many children grow up experiencing difficulty managing stress, disappointment, and criticism—traits that are vital for success and well-being in adult life.

The impact of these parenting tendencies extends beyond individual development. The overpraise and coddling have led to a generation of young individuals who lack resilience and realistic self-assessment skills. For instance, college students frequently report depression and fragile self-esteem, partly due to being shielded from challenges and criticism during their formative years. Such an environment fosters narcissism, as children are conditioned to believe they are inherently superior, deserving of praise regardless of actual achievement. Studies further reveal that excessive praise may contribute to narcissistic traits, which hinder genuine social development and empathy.

Parents' attempts to shield children from negative experiences often backfire. Weissbourd emphasizes that overprotectiveness diminishes children’s ability to develop effective coping strategies. For example, pulling a child out of music class due to perceived emotional distress deprives them of opportunities to confront and navigate difficulties independently. This lack of exposure to manageable adversity hampers the development of resilience, a trait crucial for overcoming life’s inevitable setbacks. The tendency to solve every problem for children disregards the importance of cultivating self-efficacy and problem-solving skills, which are fundamental for success in adulthood.

The repercussions of such parenting practices manifest prominently as children enter the workforce. A poignant example involves young employees who overestimate their performance, a consequence of never having been taught the difference between winning and losing. Such individuals may be shocked to learn that their efforts are mediocre in comparison to others, exposing their inflated self-view and unpreparedness for real-world challenges. This disconnect underscores the importance of realistic feedback and the necessity of experiencing failure as an integral part of growth.

From a broader societal perspective, the overemphasis on happiness and self-esteem is linked to a decline in moral and ethical development. Weissbourd warns that the focus on emotional comfort has sidelined the cultivation of empathy, respect, and responsibility—traits that traditionally underpin moral character. Educational practices have shifted away from correcting mistakes to avoiding negativity, further impeding character education. As a result, children and adolescents may struggle with genuine social interactions and moral reasoning, undermining the development of a cohesive, compassionate community.

To counteract these trends, experts advocate for parenting approaches that prioritize character and resilience over superficial praise. Encouraging children to face manageable challenges, experience setbacks, and learn from failure fosters grit and self-discipline. Emphasizing the value of effort, persistence, and ethical behavior helps cultivate intrinsic motivation and authentic self-esteem. Teachers and parents alike should aim to provide constructive criticism and set realistic expectations, guiding children to develop a balanced sense of self. Such strategies align with research suggesting that fostering empathy and resilience is essential for preparing children for the complexities of adult life.

In conclusion, the modern tendency to spoil children through material rewards and excessive praise, driven by societal obsession with happiness and self-esteem, poses significant risks to their emotional and moral development. By shifting focus from external validation to character-building traits such as resilience, empathy, and perseverance, parents and educators can nurture well-rounded individuals capable of navigating life’s challenges. Recognizing that failure and adversity are essential components of growth is crucial for reversing the current trend of overprotection and entitlement, ultimately fostering a generation that values true success rooted in integrity and inner strength.

References

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• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
• Friedman, M. (2010). The Tyranny of the Happiness Industry. The New York Times.
• Kohn, A. (1993). Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Lythcott-Haims, J. (2015). How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success. St. Martin's Press.
• Reeves, R. (2012). The Collapse of Parenting: How We Hurt Our Kids and What We Can Do About It. Scribner.
• Rothbart, M. K., & Derryberry, D. (2010). Temperament and Motivation. In J. J. Ramont & M. E. Lamb (Eds.), Handbook of Child Psychology.
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• Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview. Theory into Practice, 41(2), 64-70.
• Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2009). The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of entitlement. Free Press.