The Pampered Child Syndrome: How to Recognize It, How to Manage It, and How to Avoid It

Teachers recognize them in their classrooms; professionals encounter them in their offices; parents live with them in their homes: CHILDREN…
Who are given everything, but constantly demand more;
Who believe that they are entitled to the same rights as adults, but are not ready to accept grown-up responsibilities;
Who are loved, nurtured and protected, yet are unhappy, anxious or angry; and
Who are increasingly being diagnosed with emotional, behavioral or other major psychiatric disorders.

The Pampered Child Syndrome is not something a child has, like the measles. Nor is it something a child is, like "depressed" or "defiant" or "a problem." It is a multifaceted sociological phenomenon, driven and supported by parents who truly believe that they have their children’s best interest at heart, and who work hard to ensure that their youngsters are given everything possible to make them feel special. In turn, the Pampered Child Syndrome is fueled by those professionals who recommend child-driven parenting or teaching practices, who provide diagnosis-driven solutions to the problems parents are facing, and whose advice parents hungrily seek and follow. Despite every good intention, the result is an increasing number of children who are not merely influenced by the philosophies with which they are growing up, but who may unwittingly be at risk because of them.

This book provides insight and support for parents, teachers and other professionals who are trying to deal with these pampered children, and who can thus be constructive influences in promoting change by working together as a team. The goal is for parents to take back the power they have given away, and to be confident in raising resilient, empathic, and mentally healthy children who are well-prepared for the world outside the family.

Dr. Maggie Mamen is a clinical psychologist who has worked with children of all ages and their families for over 20 years. Maggie’s core belief in the importance of parents in the lives of their children is evident in her clinical work, her university teaching, her presentations to professional and parent groups across Canada and the US--and in her two previous best-selling books, Who’s in Charge? A Guide to Family Management (Creative Bound, 1997) and Laughter, Love & Limits: Parenting for Life (Creative Bound, 1998).