The pitfalls of an unhealthy dose of self-entitlement

But how much say should we have over how others bring up their children?

“If you don’t bring up your children well, they will become a liability to society tomorrow.” As the portly gentleman made this pontifical observation, following a chance comment from another guest that they had no control over their seemingly ‘wayward’ ward, my instant reaction was, “How rude.” Parenting is a fine balancing act between the basic art of bringing up a hapless babe whose every physical need has to be monitored and acquiesced to 24/7 and the more complex process of inculcating the right values which will hopefully mould them into happy, resilient, positive-minded creatures who will then go forth and spread good cheer in society.

But how much say should we have over how others bring up their children? Are we our brothers’ keepers? It’s very well to chastise our niece or nephew or a friend’s child because we feel as invested in their well-being and good behaviour as the immediate set of parents. But where do we draw the line? A recent study on modern parenting throws up the thought-provoking query as to whether today’s kids are growing up with a discomforting sense of entitlement that could prove detrimental for their mental health in the long run, leave aside the pernicious effect on society. Are today’s parents responsible for inculcating a ‘me first’ attitude in their offspring which often results in a ‘grab and gloat’ practice when they are out and about with their peers? Whether it is the garrulous kid, bent on interrupting everyone during a home-schooling session, not mindful of their turn, or the one who wants his two bits heard during an adult conversation, children need their spirits to be nurtured and not stifled at an age where they are developing their own little personalities.

A sense of entitlement is not necessarily a bad quality to possess in a world where meritocracy is increasingly being sidelined by the razzmatazz where appearances and pitch have become the byword for success.

Management coaches would have us believe that “we don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are”. Our perception of ourselves impacts how we project ourselves and believe the world to view us. But in today’s world if you have to make others believe in you and your potential, you have to “fake it till you make it”. Whether by constant reiteration or by mirroring the success model of your idol, many of us are led to believe that you can be perceived to be as successful as you believe yourself to be.

Passion can get you ahead in life we’ve learnt from movies and books and stories of underdogs we all love to lap up; so even if you don’t have the academic qualification for that dream job, there’s nothing stopping you from applying and walking into the interview like you own the place, is there?