When kids have too much done for them by well-meaning and hardworking parents, they
may fail to learn the connections between their behavior and the consequences the
experience. They may neglect chores and homework thinking that rules don't apply to
them and then when their grades are poor or they get in trouble at home say it is
because other people are being mean and unfair.
Overindulgence can occur in three domains; giving too much stuff, too much
nurturance, and not enough boundaries and limits. Overindulged children are more
likely to have low self-esteem, poor social skills, and problem behaviors. They may
develop low self-esteem because they haven't been required to do much for
themselves, and conclude they are not competent relative to age-peers. Poor social
skills can be the result of entitlement and not being required to act politely.
Problem behaviors can include intrusive and bullying behavior as a result of weak
boundaries and limit-setting.
They may have difficulty discerning the difference between needs and wants, need
constant entertainment and stimulation, lack sufficient life-skills, refuse to take
responsibility for their actions, feel incapable or have excessive self-importance,
over-eat, over-spend, and be prone to depressive thoughts. Here's a book that
addresses this topic in practical ways:
http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Again-Parenting-Ourselves/dp/1568381905/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1376684691&sr=8-4&keywords=reparenting