Our Kids And Entitlement Don't Go Together
Entitlement—it's a word that often carries negative connotations. It refers to the belief that one inherently deserves privileges or special treatment. You've probably heard people say, "No wonder your kids have a sense of entitlement." Such remarks are rarely compliments; instead, they often reflect an indirect judgment of how children are being raised. So, how do we tackle this issue of entitlement in our kids?
The truth is, there's no single, easy answer. Entitlement is deeply ingrained in society, from childhood experiences to the benefits people receive as adults through programs like Medicaid and Medicare. However, my wife and I have committed to raising our children with the values of hard work, compassion, and humility. Let me share how we're approaching this challenge.
Before diving in, I want to thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We're grateful to share our journey with you, including what we've learned along the way.
Now, let's get into the specifics of what we're doing to raise children who aren't entitled but are instead grounded and grateful.
1. Using Hand-Me-Downs
When our daughter was born, we joined several Facebook groups, with one of our favorites being the Buy Nothing groups. In these groups, parents share gently used toys, clothes, and other parenting items. We've benefited from these groups multiple times, and in return, we've also given away items to help other parents. Even though we could afford new things for our daughter, we chose to accept hand-me-downs from my sister-in-law. These included a bassinet, baby crib, clothes, and other essentials.
The lesson here is simple: Our children aren't above anyone else. Starting with modest items teaches them humility and appreciation. By working hard to earn the finer things in life, they'll understand the value of what they have and take better care of it.
2. Taking Our Kids Home
My wife is from Veracruz, Mexico, and I am from Sierra Leone in West Africa. Even before we became parents, we agreed that taking our children back to our home countries would be a priority. We want them to see where we come from, how children their age live there, and understand the different levels of poverty around the world.
Traveling back to our home countries isn't just about sightseeing; it's about grounding our children in their heritage and showing them that not everyone has the privileges they do. This experience helps them appreciate their own lives while fostering empathy, kindness, and respect for others.
Why This Approach Works
Giving our kids used clothes and taking them to our countries of origin might seem like small steps, but they carry big lessons. These practices teach our children to be grateful, humble, and kind. They help them understand the value of hard work and the importance of knowing where they come from.
Our goal is for our children to grow up with a strong sense of identity, grounded in humility and gratitude. By God’s grace, we hope they will be less entitled and more appreciative of the small things in life.
