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11/18/2025

Are We Raising Entitled Children? How Houston Families Can Promote Gratitude

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Understanding the Challenge

Are we raising entitled children? Entitlement often shows up as unrealistic expectations, lack of gratitude, and difficulty handling disappointment. While parents want to give their children the best, overindulgence and lack of boundaries can unintentionally create habits that harm long-term development.

Research from the Journal of Positive Psychology shows that children who practice gratitude are happier, more empathetic, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. Conversely, entitlement can lead to poor social skills, academic struggles, and emotional distress.

Why This Matters in Early Childhood

The first five years of life are critical. During this time, 90% of brain development occurs, shaping how children learn, interact, and respond to the world. If entitlement takes root early, it can impact school readiness and social-emotional growth.

In Greater Houston, where only 45% of children are kindergarten-ready, Collaborative for Children is committed to helping families build strong foundations through Centers of Excellence, certified ECE training, and STEAM-based curriculum. These programs emphasize responsibility, empathy, and resilience—skills that counter entitlement.

Causes of Entitlement

Experts identify several common factors:
– Overindulgence: Meeting every demand without limits.
– Lack of Responsibility: Children not contributing to household tasks.
– Shielding from Failure: Preventing children from experiencing natural consequences.
– Excessive Praise: Rewarding outcomes instead of effort.

These habits can create unrealistic expectations and hinder problem-solving skills.

Actionable Strategies for Parents

Collaborative for Children recommends these evidence-based practices:

1. Teach Responsibility Early
Assign age-appropriate chores like tidying toys or helping set the table. This fosters a sense of contribution and community.

2. Model Gratitude
Express appreciation openly. Simple phrases like ‘Thank you for helping’ or ‘I’m grateful for our time together’ teach children to value relationships.

3. Set Healthy Boundaries
Saying ‘no’ when appropriate helps children understand limits and develop patience.

4. Praise Effort, Not Just Results
Recognize persistence and improvement rather than perfection. This builds resilience and a growth mindset.

5. Allow Room for Failure
Mistakes teach problem-solving and humility. Support your child through setbacks instead of rescuing them.

More Parenting Tips

FAQs

Q: What is the biggest cause of entitlement in young children?

A: Overindulgence and lack of boundaries are the primary drivers of entitlement.

Q: Can gratitude be taught at home?

A: Yes. Modeling gratitude and creating daily habits like sharing “three things we’re thankful for” can make a big difference.

Q: How does Collaborative for Children help prevent entitlement?

A: We provide certified training for educators, STEAM-based curriculum, and parent coaching to build responsibility and empathy from birth to age five.

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