Who's on First?

Raging Achilles  (Photo by Marie-Lan Nguyen)

When statues are idolized, at least they don’t suffer.  When children are idolized, they suffer greatly.

“Idol worship” is a term that’s used mostly in religious circles.  Psychologists instead use the term "spoiled" when children become the center of a parent’s universe.  And yet whoever or whatever is deemed more central than God can be considered an idol.

Idolized children learn that “me first” is the way to go through life.  When parents try to fulfill every “want” on Johnnie’s list, these wants never end.  Unused toys pile up  while Johnnie demands bigger and better ones.

Pretty soon, Johnnie expects that friends, associates and strangers will bow to his demands.  When some don’t, he throws a tantrum.  Or sulks.  Or gets even. 

It’s Tough being tough, but even tougher abdicating core priorities.  There’s a saying in Buddhism:  Truth [also with a capital T] is bitter in the beginning, but sweet in the end… 

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/parenting/25-insightful-things-i%e2%80%99ve-learned-from-spoiling-my-child/ss-AAoXCc8?li=BBnbcA0&ocid=BHEA000#image=1