Wake Up, Parents! How Over-Pampering Is Ruining the Next Generation

Wake Up, Parents! The Changing Dynamics of Parenting and Its Effects on Children

Introduction

Over the years, parenting styles have evolved significantly. The parents of the 1950s to 1980s, who grew up in difficult conditions, developed strong, resilient children who became successful professionals. However, modern-day parenting has created a generation of overly pampered children who struggle with independence and resilience. This article explores the stark differences between these two generations and provides solutions to raise well-rounded children.

Comparison Between Past and Present Parenting Styles

Group A: Parents from the 1950s–1980s (Hardworking and Resilient Generation)

Parents of this generation were mostly poor and illiterate, yet they raised children who became:

Doctors
Engineers
Pharmacists
Scientists
Accountants
Lawyers
Pilots
Architects
Professors

How Group A Children Were Raised:

They walked long distances barefoot to school.
They worked on farms before and after school.
They fetched water and firewood for household use.
They helped raise domesticated animals such as goats and chickens.
They engaged in small-scale trading to support themselves financially.
They acquired handcraft skills like weaving, broom-making, and carpentry.
They respected elders and had strong moral values.
They faced strict discipline at home and school, helping them build character.

Group B: Present-Day Children (Pampered and Overindulged Generation)

Parents who were raised under Group A conditions are now raising a different kind of child—Group B children, who experience an entirely different upbringing.

Characteristics of Group B Children:

Pampered from an early age and overprotected.
Assisted in all schoolwork, even simple assignments.
Driven in expensive cars to top private schools or sent abroad for education.
Addicted to social media and entertainment—watching movies and chatting online for hours.
Spoiled with luxury items such as high-end phones, gadgets, and designer clothes.
Given excessive pocket money without learning financial responsibility.
Avoid household chores because parents or maids do everything for them.
Parents register them in “special centers” for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB to cheat their way through exams.
Lack self-discipline, perseverance, and resilience to handle real-life struggles.

As a result, many of these children struggle to become independent adults, often relying on their parents into their 30s. They fail to develop life skills that could make them self-sufficient, responsible individuals.

The Consequences of Over-Pampering Children

Lack of Resilience – These children cannot handle failure, setbacks, or responsibilities.
Entitlement Mentality – They expect rewards without working hard.
Poor Problem-Solving Skills – They always depend on others to solve their problems.
Financial Irresponsibility – They waste money because they never learned its value.
Lack of Emotional Maturity – They struggle with interpersonal relationships.
Disrespect for Parents and Elders – They see discipline as outdated.
Abandonment of Aging Parents – Many ignore their parents later in life.

Solutions: How to Raise Responsible and Disciplined Children

Reduce pampering and overindulgence – Allow children to experience challenges.
Encourage independence – Teach them to do tasks without help.
Involve them in house chores – Cooking, cleaning, and managing household tasks build responsibility.
Teach financial literacy – Give them a reasonable allowance and show them how to budget.
Promote hard work – Encourage part-time jobs, entrepreneurship, or volunteering.
Emphasize moral and ethical values – Teach honesty, respect, and discipline.
Discourage exam malpractice – Let them work hard to earn their success.
Limit excessive screen time – Encourage reading, creativity, and outdoor activities.
Expose them to real-world challenges – Let them make mistakes and learn from them.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (With Options)

Parents of the 1950s–1980s raised children who became _______.
a) Lazy
b) Successful professionals
c) Uneducated
d) Dependent
Group A children often trekked to school _______.
a) On bicycles
b) In luxury cars
c) Barefoot
d) By train
Group A children supported themselves by engaging in _______.
a) Farming and trading
b) Gaming
c) Watching TV
d) Online chatting
Modern-day children often lack _______ due to excessive pampering.
a) Intelligence
b) Social skills
c) Resilience
d) Creativity
Group B children are mostly raised with _______.
a) Strict discipline
b) Pampering and overindulgence
c) Farm work
d) Poverty
Overindulgence leads to children being _______ in adulthood.
a) Independent
b) Hardworking
c) Dependent
d) Self-sufficient
One major problem of excessive pampering is the lack of _______.
a) Entertainment
b) Fashion sense
c) Problem-solving skills
d) Free time
A responsible parent should encourage children to _______.
a) Be lazy
b) Cheat in exams
c) Develop independence
d) Avoid discipline
A major reason why Group B children struggle is because they are used to being _______.
a) Disciplined
b) Helped in everything
c) Hardworking
d) Independent
_______ helps children develop responsibility and independence.
a) Doing household chores
b) Watching movies
c) Playing video games
d) Sleeping all day
Parents should teach children the value of _______.
a) Hard work
b) Luxury
c) Cheating
d) Overindulgence
Over-pampered children often have an _______ mentality.
a) Responsible
b) Entitlement
c) Honest
d) Disciplined
Group A children learned to be independent by _______.
a) Depending on parents
b) Working hard early
c) Playing all day
d) Sleeping late
Parents should discourage children from spending too much time on _______.
a) Hard work
b) Household chores
c) Social media
d) Education
A disciplined child grows up to become a _______ adult.
a) Responsible
b) Lazy
c) Dependent
d) Entitled

Importance of Family Life Education in JSS 2

Conclusion

Raising responsible children requires discipline, independence, and moral values. Over-pampering leads to entitlement, laziness, and lack of resilience. As parents, we must instill hard work, financial responsibility, and ethical values in our children. Let’s raise a generation that is self-sufficient, respectful, and ready to contribute positively to society.