Self-Indulgent, or Child Worshipper?

As a parent, which end of the spectrum is closest to your thinking?

Self-indulgent or child worshipper? Your children want your attention 24/7 so their choice would obviously be the latter.

But this is about you the parent. Self-indulgence is expressed by:

• Frequent Partying
• Working late every night
• Smoking
• Vacationing without kids
• Drinking
• Recreation sports fitness alone
• Never attending kid functions
• Excessive shopping
• Living the single life

These behaviors in excess often leave children distressed, distrustful, depressed and feeling unworthy and lonely. They compensate by escaping into their own worlds. They create a world of their own under their control that excludes parents. Ever notice how fairy tales do not have loving, caring parents?

These parents can be rich or poor or anywhere in between. Critics wonder why did they have kids. Their kids seldom trust anyone and thus have a hard time giving or accepting love.

Sometimes one parent is self indulgent and the other is a child worshipper. This leads to fights and efforts to get the children on their side. Bribes mixed with threats or pleading can be pretty confusing to a child's loyalties.

For the parent who thinks little Billy is perfect, the slippery slope of worship can create a little tyrant and a parental sacrificial lamb.

Life is full of:

• Playdates
• Sports events
• Applications
• Lessons
• Educational trips
• Educational toys
• Birthday party productions
• Designer clothes
• Sacrifice of adult social life
• Sleepovers
• Neglect of personal needs.

Tonics for Stressed Parents | Self-Indulgent, or Child Worshipper? | Balance | Family Activities

Return to "Stresstonics"