How Spoiled Kids Act When They Grow Up: The Highs and Lows of Privilege

Can kids who are spoiled end up acting bratty when they become adults? The answer is complex, and it largely depends on the individual child and how they handle their upbringing. Many spoiled kids do indeed show signs of entitlement and self-centered behavior as they grow older, but not all of them turn into adults who throw tantrums when things don't go their way. Instead, some may develop healthier coping mechanisms and adapt to more modest lifestyles.

Adult Spoiledness 101: A Virtual Tantrum

When someone has been spoiled since a young age, their behavior as an adult can sometimes be even more dramatic than that of a child. Imagine a character from a movie: a rich, entitled young woman who constantly pouts and demands everything her way, and when she doesn't get what she wants, she acts like the world is ending. Power outages, traffic jams, or merely having to wait in line can trigger a full-blown fit, equivalent to the tantrums we see in hyper-privileged teenagers and young adults.

Real-World Examples of Spoiled Adult Behavior

I, for one, fell into the category of someone who was spoiled from a very young age. By the age of 28, I still carry those habits with me. Despite making a significant amount of money, I still indulge in activities that most others can only dream of, such as frequent trips to Las Vegas for gambling or music festivals. However, one aspect that stands out is my struggle with dealing with poor service. Given my past experiences, I assume that everyone knows how to perform their job correctly without any effort on my part.

Entering into a relationship with a partner who had a very different upbringing turned my world upside down. For the first time in my life, I was met with a partner who was frugal and practical. His approach to money management, washing clothes, and food choices was entirely different from what I was accustomed to. Imagine me used to buying everything dry-cleaned or fresh caught seafood, only to then have to learn how to balance a budget and cook meals, as my partner did not have a maid or a gardener to take care of those things for him.

The Ironing Board Incident and Learning New Skills

During one particular evening, my partner asked me to put away the iron and ironing board. To my surprise, I had no idea how to do it, which is a common fate for many spoiled individuals; we often come from homes where someone else handles those mundane tasks. I had to call a girlfriend who essentially serves as a housewife to teach me how to iron clothes. This incident highlighted my naivety and how far removed I had become from the everyday tasks that most people must perform.

Adapting to a New Lifestyle

One of the biggest challenges for spoiled kids as they grow up is the transition to a more practical and often less pampered lifestyle. For me, this means learning to cook, managing money, and understanding the value of effort involved in household tasks. These experiences have led me to appreciate the value of perseverance and the importance of learning new skills.

Learning life skills such as cooking and money management is not only useful for my relationship with my partner, but it also helps me become more self-sufficient and independent. While I still hire maids and gardeners, I no longer expect everything to be done for me. Even driving a black SUV to the airport or having a personal plane are now occasional treats instead of necessities.

The Dark Side of Spoiled Kids

Spoiled kids do not often worry about the price tag on things, and this lack of fiscal awareness can lead to financial issues when they enter adulthood. If a spoiled child does not learn to manage their resources or adapt to a more modest lifestyle, they may find themselves in a difficult financial situation as an adult. It's essential for parents and caregivers to teach children about the importance of budgeting, saving, and understanding the value of hard work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while some spoiled kids can maintain their entitled and self-centered behavior into adulthood, others may learn to adapt and find healthier ways to cope with life's challenges. It's crucial to instill important life skills, financial awareness, and a sense of responsibility from an early age to ensure that spoiled kids can navigate the adult world effectively. As a parent or caregiver, providing your child with a balanced upbringing is key to their long-term success and well-being.