What You Can Do With This
Per McCready, the most important tool for avoiding or mitigating childhood entitlement is "Mind, Body, and Soul Time" (MBST). It's a dedicated 10-minute period of being fully present with your child so that they feel like they are being listened to and don't act out in the aforementioned, attention-seeking ways.
- One-on-one time makes them feel more empowered and helps emotional growth and stability.
- When kids feel like their emotional "basket" is full, they're less likely to seek attention and control in tiny but infuriating ways.
- MBST should be practiced once or twice a day, and can be any kind of face-time (except FaceTime): In the car, playing a board game, gutting an elk — and so forth.
- Turn off the screens while MBSTing!
There's a fine line between "extra cuddles" and taking advantage. When do you lay down the law? Well, it's never too late to introduce rules, as long as you are clear about them and stand your ground. Let your kids know that they don't get a special treat for not being an assh*le in public. If you say they can use your iPad for only 15 minutes a day, there will be tears, but they'll get used to it.
Be the grownup. Model respectful communication when your kids are around. Even though you might whine, complain, wheedle, and snipe when they're not within earshot.
