Raising an Unspoiled Child

/in /by

Who is an unspoiled child/unspoiled adult?

  • A child who takes responsibility for his choices (accountability)
  • A child who does not have a sense of entitlement.
  • A child who cares about others beyond himself.
  • A child who is resourceful and can entertain himself.
  • A child who always treats adults respectfully.

Goal of parenting: help a child THRIVE by his:

  • Growing a solid sense of self.
  • Becoming an emotionally and mentally healthy adult.
  • Being able to have and maintain nurturing relationships.
  • Having a life with purpose.
  • Feeling cherished and supported by you.

How to raise an unspoiled child:

  • Have a parent-centered family, not a child-centered family.
  • Allow for failure and disappointment.
  • Allow for and encourage mastery (theirs, not ours).
  • Model charity and kindness-more than talk-take actions.
  • Give all members of a family (12 months and up) family jobs.
  • Set boundaries-follow through with consequences and consistency.
  • Require respectfulness in discourse with adults.
  • Let them develop an attitude of gratitude.
  • Limit giving-so they can live the joy of anticipation-and not feel entitled.
  • Promote family participation, be it values-based, faith-based, family mission statement.
  • Supply needs daily; supply wants discriminately.

Working towards these goals will hopefully keep your child unspoiled and thriving.

Preschoolers can:

  • Make their beds
  • Fold towels and washcloths
  • Put away clothes in drawers
  • Pick up their toys
  • Wipe of front of large appliances using spray bottle of water and sponge.
  • Feed pets
  • Match clean socks
  • Scrub vegetables

Kindergartners can do all of the above, plus:

  • Vacuum small areas with a lightweight vacuum.
  • Sweep porches
  • Straighten plastic dishes in a lower cabinet.
  • Dust furniture
  • Wipe windows (That you have washed) with a clean blackboard eraser to keep them shining!

Younger elementary kids can do the above plus:

  • Take out garbage
  • Sweep stairs and walks
  • Clean out the car.
  • Vacuum their own room
  • Sort and straighten toys
  • Empty the dishwasher
  • Sort clothes for washing
  • Clean off outdoor furniture
  • Water a garden
  • Set and clear the table