Inconsiderate Kids! Is it on the rise? Unveiling the Reasons Behind it and Ways to Combat it
The Hook
As parents, do you find yourself saying these kneejerk comments: “Did you just wipe that on me? I’m not your personal towel!” or “Excuse me, I’m talking here!” Here is a situation that blows my mind every time. You have been reminding your children all day that they need to be ready no later than 5pm because we are responsible for picking up a friend, a friend who is NEVER late for practice. 4:55 rolls around and they aren’t ready. “Come on! Don’t you understand that someone else is depending on us and we need to be on time? You are being so inconsiderate!”
Inconsiderate behavior in children can be disheartening and puzzling for parents. Are inconsiderate kids on the rise? What are the reasons behind them and how can we combat it!
Possible Root Causes
It’s not uncommon to come across situations where children display inconsiderate behavior. Whether it’s interrupting conversations, disregarding others’ feelings, or showing a lack of empathy. In this blog post, we will explore the possible root causes behind this rise in inconsiderate behavior among children and discuss strategies to combat it.
One factor that contributes to the rise of inconsiderate behavior in kids is the pervasive influence of the digital age. With increased exposure to social media and online interactions, children are often exposed to a virtual world that doesn’t always emphasize face-to-face communication or understanding others’ emotions.
Empathy is a fundamental trait that needs to be nurtured in children from an early age. Children who struggle to understand the feelings of others may have difficulty empathizing with others.
The Game Plan
We can help kids develop a sense of consideration for others. Here are some strategies to combat inconsiderate kids and encourage empathy:
- Lead by Example: Children learn by observing and imitating the behavior of the adults around them.
- Perspective Thinking: Teach children to see situations from different angles.
- Active Listening: Teach kids the importance of listening attentively when others speak. Encourage them to ask questions and show interest. This is a practice my wife used a lot during our children’s formative years and still does on occasion today.
- Community Service: Expose children to volunteering and community service activities.
- Set Boundaries: Establishing clear rules and consequences for inconsiderate behavior can help children understand the impact of their actions on others. Reinforce positive behavior and provide constructive feedback when necessary.
Dr. Traci Baxter, a CNBC Contributor, wrote an article called, A parenting expert shares the 5 toxic mistakes that can make kids more ‘selfish and entitled’. Number one on her list describes how saying yes to almost everything can foster a sense of entitlement. Dr. Baxter goes on to say how saying ‘no’ can teach compassion. Click here for more information.
- Developmental Factors: It is important to remember that inconsiderate behavior can also be attributed to normal developmental stages. Young children may struggle with impulse control, understanding social norms, or managing their emotions effectively.
In How do I parent an inconsiderate child? by Dr. Gonzalez, explain that the age of the child is an important aspect to keep in mind. Click here for more information.
The End Goal
Understanding the reasons behind inconsiderate behavior in children allows us to approach the issue with compassion. Combating inconsiderate behavior in kids requires patience, consistent effort, and a nurturing environment. Remember, each child is unique, and the journey to developing considerate behavior will vary. By prioritizing empathy, love, understanding, and consistent support, we can empower children to build meaningful connections and thrive as considerate members of their communities.
While consideration was my family value in this article, add a comment what might have been your family value? Discuss it with your family and place it on your Family Values Roadmap worksheet, downloadable as a free PDF on my site, for free, when you sign up.
Share my story with a friend and ask them what would be their family value connection! For more family value blog articles, go to alldadsondeck.com