I was paging through Parents magazine while at the dentist's office the other day and came across an interesting story. The article talked about "un-spoiling" bratty kids.

Is that even possible?

Once your kids have had a taste of being waited on hand-and-foot, is it even feasible to think you can change them before they head out into the big, mean world?

Quoting my statistics professor in college, "It may be possible, but it's not very probable." My opinion is once they've tasted the "good life" it's probably too late.

I remember back to when Suzette and I found out we were going to be parents, I made a comment about making sure little Chad got everything he ever wanted.

My parents just looked at me and laughed and said, "Yeah, good luck with that."

If you're reading this and expecting your first child, that is NOT the way to head into parenthood. You have to find, what experts refer to as, "the perfect balance."

Yes, I'll admit, it's a pretty cool feeling to take your kids to the store and buy them something they've always wanted. But you can't do it every time.

And I'll guarantee you there WILL BE that time when they throw a temper-tantrum right there in the store. Just keep your cool and stand firm.

Growing up in rural South Dakota and having parents who farmed, there usually wasn't a lot of extra money at the end of the month. And I'm SO THANKFUL for that.

I was forced to learn at a young age that money doesn't grow on trees. You can't just go out and get whatever you want whenever you want. You have to save up.

There were a few "rich kids" in school who were spoiled and got everything they wanted. But you know what? They're still spoiled brats to this day. They never learned.

So my advice to you future parents, don't go crazy buying your kids "stuff" just because it makes them happy.

The happiness that toy brings will only last for a short amount of time. Your tough love they'll have an entire lifetime.


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