Parenthood is not about the short game it is about the long haul. So while you are having fun babying and spoiling your little one it might have an affect on them as an adult and more importantly as a partner or spouse.
One day in a toddler class mom’s were complaining that their husbands were completely useless in the domestic arena. When the leader brought up to the mom’s (especially of boys) you are raising someone’s husband so don’t baby them too much and your daughter in law will thank you. The conversation turned to how to teach a child not to be spoiled if you have domestic help. The advice was even if you have a housekeeper make sure your child always makes their own bed and does a few chores. They need to go to college knowing how to do their own laundry, clean a toilet and cook 5 meals.
But more than that think about what you want in a partner or spouse and try to instil that in your child. That may be the best gift you can ever give them and perhaps our generation can help turn those divorce rates around. Because the truth of the matter is, if you don’t want a selfish spoiled spouse why would you want that in your child, and why would you want that for them in their adult life?
One mom even shared that her sons who are under 6 vacuum the floors and know how to get the vacuum out of the closet and plug it in and clean. It is true that I want my daughters to know that we all pitch in around the house. And Ila has started getting a small allowance for chores – that at this moment at least she is eager to do.
The bottom line is it is really hard not to want to spoil them. But they are little for a short time and adults for a much longer time. So winning the long game and helping them become good people, partners, friends etc. will serve everyone well.
Even if it is easier just to clean up the toys yourself, try and have them help.