We’re being shown in the news regularly about how difficult it is for youth, even those with higher education, to find jobs and achieve the American Dream. One consultant recently estimated that 85 percent of new college graduates are returning home to live with their parents. This could be the first generation to have a college degree and not do as well or better than their parents. So, are children given too much that they’re adding to feelings of inadequacy, disappointment or even depression?  These feelings can sometimes turn into others such as anger or even a sense of being jaded to our society’s values.

Constantly giving more to a child than they are ready to handle may lead to a strong sense of entitlement. Once the idea is created that they should receive something without the responsibility of earning can lead to resentment against the ones providing. It becomes apparent that some sacrifice is therefore healthy and can assist with a greater self-esteem. In Alvin Toffler’s 1970 book “Future Shock” he stated that “…normal people will face an abrupt collision with the future.” It’s important for us to prevent that collision from wiping out the generation with too much entitlement mentality. Parents need to provide for a well-roundedness in their children and that includes a healthy work ethic.

Quite often it only takes a small amount of time to instill a healthy perspective on what life offers, Parents, take the time to allow your children the opportunity to learn what it means to work for something gained. If you’re having a difficult time with this GROW Counseling is there to assist with the guidance you may need to provide these valuable tools to your children.

Mark Ellison, LAMFT