Being spoiled as a child can leave lasting marks. Often, these impacts manifest in adulthood as certain behaviors.
The effects are not always negative, but they can be challenging. Spoiled children may grow into adults who struggle with particular aspects of life.
As adults, these people can display certain behaviors that seem puzzling to others. But to those who understand the link to their childhood, it all makes sense.
In this article, we’re going to delve into those behaviors. We’ve identified 8 common habits displayed by adults who were spoiled as children.
Let’s get started.
A common characteristic observed in adults who were spoiled as children is a sense of entitlement.
Their upbringing may have led them to believe that they inherently deserve things without having to work for them. This is because as children, they were often given what they wanted without any conditions.
In their adult lives, this can translate into expecting special treatment from others, and feeling frustrated or disappointed when they don’t receive it.
It’s important to note that not all adults who display a sense of entitlement were spoiled as children. However, it is a common trait among those who were.
Understanding this behavior can help in dealing with such individuals, and even in self-reflection if you see this pattern in your own behavior. After all, awareness is the first step towards change.
Another behavior I’ve noticed in adults who were spoiled as children is a struggle with criticism.
Take my friend, for example. He was the apple of his parents’ eyes and could do no wrong in their view. They shielded him from any form of criticism, and as a result, he grew up thinking he was perfect.
As we entered the workforce together, I noticed how he had a hard time accepting feedback. Constructive criticism, meant to help him improve, was often met with defensiveness or even anger. It was clear that he saw it as a personal attack rather than an opportunity to grow.
It’s been a journey, but he’s gradually learning to accept feedback more gracefully. Understanding the root of this behavior has been key in helping him address it.
Adults who were spoiled as children often struggle with managing their finances. This is because they might have grown up in an environment where they were given what they wanted, without needing to understand the value of money.
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona, it was found that children who receive an allowance without being required to do any chores are more likely to develop poor financial habits as adults.
This lack of understanding about money can lead to overspending, lack of savings, and even debt in their adult lives. It’s a behavior that emphasizes the importance of teaching children about the value of money from an early age.
Building and maintaining healthy relationships can be a challenge for adults who were spoiled as children. They may have grown up being the center of attention, with their needs and wants always prioritized.
As a result, they can struggle in relationships where give and take is required. They may expect their partners to cater to their every wish, just like their parents did. This can lead to conflicts and dissatisfaction in their relationships.
Understanding this pattern of behavior can help in addressing it and working towards building healthier, more balanced relationships.
Underneath the behaviors of adults who were spoiled as children, there often lies a deep-seated fear of failure. This might seem paradoxical, but it makes sense when you think about it.
These individuals were often protected from failure as children. Their parents stepped in to solve problems, complete difficult tasks, or even negotiate with teachers over poor grades. This left them with a skewed perception that they must always succeed.
As adults, this fear can hold them back. They may avoid taking risks or trying new things in case they fail. When they do experience failure, it can hit them hard, making them feel worthless or incompetent.
It’s heartbreaking to see this fear limit someone’s potential. But by recognizing the source of this fear, we can start to address it and encourage a healthier attitude towards failure as a learning opportunity rather than a catastrophe.
It’s not uncommon for adults who were spoiled as children to struggle with independence. I’ve seen this in my own life. Growing up, I was given a lot of things without having to work for them. I was always the focus, and my parents went to great lengths to ensure I was comfortable and happy.
When I moved out on my own, I realized just how much I relied on them. Simple things like doing laundry, cooking meals, or even managing my time were daunting tasks. I hadn’t developed these skills because I’d always had someone else to do them for me.
This struggle isn’t unique to me. Many adults who were spoiled as children have shared similar experiences. It’s a tough lesson to learn, but it’s an important one about the value of self-reliance and independence.
Perseverance is a quality often lacking in adults who were spoiled as children. They may have been shielded from challenges or had obstacles removed from their paths, preventing them from learning how to cope with difficulties.
As a result, they might give up easily when faced with challenges in their adult lives. Whether it’s a tough project at work, a difficult class in college, or even a complicated relationship, they may choose to walk away rather than persist and overcome the problem.
Learning to persevere is crucial for personal and professional growth. Recognizing this behavior can be the first step toward developing resilience and determination.
The most significant behavior that adults who were spoiled as children often display is a struggle to express gratitude. They may have grown up getting everything they wanted, which could lead to taking things for granted.
As adults, this can translate into a lack of appreciation for the things they have and the people around them. They may struggle to recognize and acknowledge the efforts of others, which can strain relationships.
Gratitude is a powerful tool for happiness and positive relationships. It’s important to understand that if someone struggles with this, it might be due to their upbringing and not necessarily a reflection of their character.
Understanding human behavior is a complex journey, especially when it involves tracing back to one’s upbringing.
The behaviors we’ve discussed, often exhibited by adults who were spoiled as children, can certainly be challenging. They might strain relationships, hinder personal growth, and even lead to inner turmoil.
But it’s important to remember that these behaviors don’t define a person. They’re just part of the complex tapestry of who they are, influenced by the experiences they’ve had.
Psychologist Carl Rogers put it best when he said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
If you recognize these behaviors in yourself or someone else, remember that growth and change are always possible. With understanding and compassion, we can start to unravel these patterns, accept them, and move towards growth.
After all, we’re all works in progress.
The post People who were spoiled as children often display these 8 behaviors as adults appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
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