\u00a0To me, it reminds of the times when I have bought something for my child and they have said:<\/div>\n

“You bought only one package of sidewalk chalk!”<\/p>\n

“But this isn’t my favorite flavor ice cream!”<\/p>\n

“Why didn’t you go to the store today and get me the pencils I wanted?”<\/p>\n

Behavior like this, can put us parents on edge. We get annoyed and frustrated and a little insulted as well.<\/p>\n

To help us out, we need to know that this behavior is normal. Most kids have a hard time seeing understanding another’s feelings. Which makes them look selfish. They also don’t have the easiest time regulating their feelings, so when they are disappointed, (by not getting their favorite ice cream) they may just blurt out exactly what they are feeling.<\/p>\n

So what can we do? Can we turn this behavior around? I think so.<\/p>\n

Kids who speak this way need to be trained to act grateful instead of entitled. \u00a0That is our job. We also need to teach them to\u00a0express their disappointment and their needs in a polite way.\u00a0We also can point out how their behavior effects others.<\/p>\n

To teach them to be grateful instead of entitled, you can gently say:<\/strong><\/p>\n

“I expect when I buy you a present, like sidewalk chalk, \u00a0that you say thank you.”<\/p>\n