The Dangers of Overindulgence: Why Parents Shouldn’t Always Give In to Their Child’s Demands

As a student affairs practitioner, I’ve witnessed firsthand the consequences of overindulgence on students’ behaviour and well-being. In many Nigerian schools, parents’ tendency to provide their children with everything they want has led to a disturbing trend: the development of problem behavior, excess behaviour, and even addiction.

When parents consistently give in to their child’s demands without setting boundaries or encouraging self-discipline, they unwittingly create an environment that fosters entitlement, laziness, and a lack of responsibility. Children who are accustomed to getting everything they want often struggle with self-regulation, leading to impulsive decisions and reckless behavior.

This overindulgence can have severe consequences, including:

1. Addiction: When children are constantly provided with everything they desire, they may develop a dependence on external sources of pleasure, leading to addiction.

2. Problem behaviour: Overindulged children often exhibit problem behavior, such as aggression, defiance, and disrespect for authority.

3. Excess behaviour: Children who are not taught self-discipline may engage in excess behavior, such as overeating, overspending, or overindulging in screen time.

So, what can parents do instead?

a. Set clear boundaries and expectations

b. Encourage self-discipline and responsibility

c. Model healthy behavior and self-regulation

d. Provide opportunities for children to experience failure and learn from their mistakes

e. Engage in open and honest communication with their children

By adopting these strategies, parents can help their children develop essential life skills, such as self-discipline, responsibility, and resilience. It’s time for parents to rethink their approach and prioritize their children’s long-term well-being over short-term gratification.