A thread has inspired me to ask....

[imported_goku]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...&STARTPAGE=2&FTVAR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear
is what inspired me to ask the question, what makes for a kid being "spoiled". It seems like any kid on this site who says they're getting something very nice/expensive is automatically "spoiled". But I thought that being spoiled (not talking about food) is that you get something nice and not only are unappreciative but rude/complain about the gift or what ever.

 

[iwantanewcomputer]

when you expect good things to happen to you through the efforts of others

 

[TBone48]

The kid in that thread seems to fit the description.

 

[KarenMarie]

A person can be be spoiled for what they have, but not who they are.

all the possessions and money in the world does not spoil a kid. it is the basic lack of hard work and appreciation for what they have that spoils them. It is an attitude, more than load of material things, imho.

 

[Sphexi]

Growing up the most expensive thing I ever got from my parents was a car. A used car, that was already 10 years old, had 105k miles on it, and died 6 months later. Other than that I always had to do chores around the house to get my allowance, and had to save that up to buy things I wanted. Once I hit 16, my allowance ended, and I had to get a job to buy things I wanted.

I never once gave my parents a Christmas list, if there was something I really wanted I'd ask, and the best I got was "we'll see". If I had asked my parents to blow a grand on high end computer parts for me, they would've simply laughed and I'd have gotten sweaters or socks or something.

If I did happen to get something I really wanted, and it came early and they told me to wait for Christmas and I threw a sh1tfit over it, then it would've gone right back to where it came from, and I'd be lucky to get anything for Christmas.

I'd say the definition of being "spoiled" is expecting far more from everybody else, than you yourself are planning on giving back. In our house we always had more fun trying to figure out what to give to everybody else, what we ended up getting was just a bonus as far as we were concerned.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: Sphexi
Growing up the most expensive thing I ever got from my parents was a car. A used car, that was already 10 years old, had 105k miles on it, and died 6 months later. Other than that I always had to do chores around the house to get my allowance, and had to save that up to buy things I wanted. Once I hit 16, my allowance ended, and I had to get a job to buy things I wanted.

I never once gave my parents a Christmas list, if there was something I really wanted I'd ask, and the best I got was "we'll see". If I had asked my parents to blow a grand on high end computer parts for me, they would've simply laughed and I'd have gotten sweaters or socks or something.

If I did happen to get something I really wanted, and it came early and they told me to wait for Christmas and I threw a sh1tfit over it, then it would've gone right back to where it came from, and I'd be lucky to get anything for Christmas.

I'd say the definition of being "spoiled" is expecting far more from everybody else, than you yourself are planning on giving back. In our house we always had more fun trying to figure out what to give to everybody else, what we ended up getting was just a bonus as far as we were concerned.

Is it possible that your family just didn't have the money to blow $1200 on a computer?

 

[natto fire]

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: Sphexi
Growing up the most expensive thing I ever got from my parents was a car. A used car, that was already 10 years old, had 105k miles on it, and died 6 months later. Other than that I always had to do chores around the house to get my allowance, and had to save that up to buy things I wanted. Once I hit 16, my allowance ended, and I had to get a job to buy things I wanted.

I never once gave my parents a Christmas list, if there was something I really wanted I'd ask, and the best I got was "we'll see". If I had asked my parents to blow a grand on high end computer parts for me, they would've simply laughed and I'd have gotten sweaters or socks or something.

If I did happen to get something I really wanted, and it came early and they told me to wait for Christmas and I threw a sh1tfit over it, then it would've gone right back to where it came from, and I'd be lucky to get anything for Christmas.

I'd say the definition of being "spoiled" is expecting far more from everybody else, than you yourself are planning on giving back. In our house we always had more fun trying to figure out what to give to everybody else, what we ended up getting was just a bonus as far as we were concerned.

Is it possible that your family just didn't have the money to blow $1200 on a computer?

It's very possible that we need more families like this. Mine was the same way, and the lessons you learn about life are far more valuable than 1200 bux worth of silicon and mica...

 

[Sphexi]

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: Sphexi
Growing up the most expensive thing I ever got from my parents was a car. A used car, that was already 10 years old, had 105k miles on it, and died 6 months later. Other than that I always had to do chores around the house to get my allowance, and had to save that up to buy things I wanted. Once I hit 16, my allowance ended, and I had to get a job to buy things I wanted.

I never once gave my parents a Christmas list, if there was something I really wanted I'd ask, and the best I got was "we'll see". If I had asked my parents to blow a grand on high end computer parts for me, they would've simply laughed and I'd have gotten sweaters or socks or something.

If I did happen to get something I really wanted, and it came early and they told me to wait for Christmas and I threw a sh1tfit over it, then it would've gone right back to where it came from, and I'd be lucky to get anything for Christmas.

I'd say the definition of being "spoiled" is expecting far more from everybody else, than you yourself are planning on giving back. In our house we always had more fun trying to figure out what to give to everybody else, what we ended up getting was just a bonus as far as we were concerned.

Is it possible that your family just didn't have the money to blow $1200 on a computer?

Never said we didn't have nice things, just that as a kid if I WANTED something (not needed) then I had to buy it myself, by earning it. My dad bought one of the first IBM PC models, cost him something like $3500 back in the mid/early 80s. We always had one or two computers in the house, two cars, and once myself and my brothers were all in school my mom went back to work full-time. There wasn't a single thing that I had to go without as a kid, as far as needs went. We always had a roof over our heads, food to eat, heat, we were involved in Scouting and soccer/baseball, my dad took us camping all the time, we had a family vacation every year, all that good stuff.

But when it came down to me wanting something extra, beyond what my parents provided for us, I simply had to earn it myself. I'll tell you now that I still own things I bought when I was 10, I learned very quickly to take care of my things, unlike many of my friends' kids I see now.

 

[SilentZero]

I admit I was spoiled when I was younger. My parents bought me all the latest computers/modems and electronics (Commadore 64a & 64c, Apple IIe, IIGS, etc.... all the way up till I turned 18. They gave me transportation, paid for ski/snowboarding trips w/ friends, paid allowance, and every sunday after mass we would go to Toys R us and I would pick something out under ~$25 from about 3 years old until I was around 16 years old (yes that is VERY spoiled). I however never took things for granted and always appreciated what I recieved.

The difference was when I started college at 17, they drew a line in the sand and refused to support me. They did of course let me live home and feed me, but that was about it. They refused to pay for my college, help with bills, etc. I took out a student loan, worked nights and paid my tuition until I left for the military (for the college money). I am a firm believer that it is fine to give your children what they want as long as its appreciated and they are "good" kids, but when they turn 18 they need to learn responcibility and work for things themselves. Now that I have a son I will probably use their example and raise him the same way.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Well, in that thread, the ungrateful little punk was crying because mommy bought him a computer for Christmas, and wouldn't let him have it early.

That qualifies as spoiled, in my book.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: SilentZero
I admit I was spoiled when I was younger. My parents bought me all the latest computers/modems and electronics (Commadore 64a & 64c, Apple IIe, IIGS, etc.... all the way up till I turned 18. They gave me transportation, paid for ski/snowboarding trips w/ friends, paid allowance, and every sunday after mass we would go to Toys R us and I would pick something out under ~$25 from about 3 years old until I was around 16 years old (yes that is VERY spoiled). I however never took things for granted and always appreciated what I recieved.

The difference was when I started college at 17, they drew a line in the sand and refused to support me. They did of course let me live home and feed me, but that was about it. They refused to pay for my college, help with bills, etc. I took out a student loan, worked nights and paid my tuition until I left for the military (for the college money). I am a firm believer that it is fine to give your children what they want as long as its appreciated and they are "good" kids, but when they turn 18 they need to learn responcibility and work for things themselves. Now that I have a son I will probably use their example and raise him the same way.

Buahahahah! LOL, that makes absolutely no SENSE! You pay for your child's luxury items like toys but not for college? What kind of fscked up family is that. If your dad had the money to purchase those things for you when you were a kid, I'm sure he could have paid for your schooling... If anything, it should have been the other way around...

 

[AznAnarchy99]

im spoiled, ill say it, but i did have to "work" to get some of my stuff

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: SilentZero
I admit I was spoiled when I was younger. My parents bought me all the latest computers/modems and electronics (Commadore 64a & 64c, Apple IIe, IIGS, etc.... all the way up till I turned 18. They gave me transportation, paid for ski/snowboarding trips w/ friends, paid allowance, and every sunday after mass we would go to Toys R us and I would pick something out under ~$25 from about 3 years old until I was around 16 years old (yes that is VERY spoiled). I however never took things for granted and always appreciated what I recieved.

The difference was when I started college at 17, they drew a line in the sand and refused to support me. They did of course let me live home and feed me, but that was about it. They refused to pay for my college, help with bills, etc. I took out a student loan, worked nights and paid my tuition until I left for the military (for the college money). I am a firm believer that it is fine to give your children what they want as long as its appreciated and they are "good" kids, but when they turn 18 they need to learn responcibility and work for things themselves. Now that I have a son I will probably use their example and raise him the same way.

Buahahahah! LOL, that makes absolutely no SENSE! You pay for your child's luxury items like toys but not for college? What kind of fscked up family is that. If your dad had the money to purchase those things for you when you were a kid, I'm sure he could have paid for your schooling... If anything, it should have been the other way around...

The parents believed that when you are old enough to support yourself, you should. Seems logical to me

 

[DaWhim]

I don't consider myself spoiled in anywhere. the reason is I have a big family, 5 siblings. my father doesn't know when my birthday is and how old I am.

 

[z0mb13]

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: SilentZero
I admit I was spoiled when I was younger. My parents bought me all the latest computers/modems and electronics (Commadore 64a & 64c, Apple IIe, IIGS, etc.... all the way up till I turned 18. They gave me transportation, paid for ski/snowboarding trips w/ friends, paid allowance, and every sunday after mass we would go to Toys R us and I would pick something out under ~$25 from about 3 years old until I was around 16 years old (yes that is VERY spoiled). I however never took things for granted and always appreciated what I recieved.

The difference was when I started college at 17, they drew a line in the sand and refused to support me. They did of course let me live home and feed me, but that was about it. They refused to pay for my college, help with bills, etc. I took out a student loan, worked nights and paid my tuition until I left for the military (for the college money). I am a firm believer that it is fine to give your children what they want as long as its appreciated and they are "good" kids, but when they turn 18 they need to learn responcibility and work for things themselves. Now that I have a son I will probably use their example and raise him the same way.

Buahahahah! LOL, that makes absolutely no SENSE! You pay for your child's luxury items like toys but not for college? What kind of fscked up family is that. If your dad had the money to purchase those things for you when you were a kid, I'm sure he could have paid for your schooling... If anything, it should have been the other way around...

The parents believed that when you are old enough to support yourself, you should. Seems logical to me

probably better to save money for college, rather than spending it on toys, no?

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: z0mb13

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: SilentZero
I admit I was spoiled when I was younger. My parents bought me all the latest computers/modems and electronics (Commadore 64a & 64c, Apple IIe, IIGS, etc.... all the way up till I turned 18. They gave me transportation, paid for ski/snowboarding trips w/ friends, paid allowance, and every sunday after mass we would go to Toys R us and I would pick something out under ~$25 from about 3 years old until I was around 16 years old (yes that is VERY spoiled). I however never took things for granted and always appreciated what I recieved.

The difference was when I started college at 17, they drew a line in the sand and refused to support me. They did of course let me live home and feed me, but that was about it. They refused to pay for my college, help with bills, etc. I took out a student loan, worked nights and paid my tuition until I left for the military (for the college money). I am a firm believer that it is fine to give your children what they want as long as its appreciated and they are "good" kids, but when they turn 18 they need to learn responcibility and work for things themselves. Now that I have a son I will probably use their example and raise him the same way.

Buahahahah! LOL, that makes absolutely no SENSE! You pay for your child's luxury items like toys but not for college? What kind of fscked up family is that. If your dad had the money to purchase those things for you when you were a kid, I'm sure he could have paid for your schooling... If anything, it should have been the other way around...

The parents believed that when you are old enough to support yourself, you should. Seems logical to me

probably better to save money for college, rather than spending it on toys, no?

I'm guessing it wasn't an issue of the family not having money, but rather that SilentZero became old enough to work and supoprt himself

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: SilentZero
I admit I was spoiled when I was younger. My parents bought me all the latest computers/modems and electronics (Commadore 64a & 64c, Apple IIe, IIGS, etc.... all the way up till I turned 18. They gave me transportation, paid for ski/snowboarding trips w/ friends, paid allowance, and every sunday after mass we would go to Toys R us and I would pick something out under ~$25 from about 3 years old until I was around 16 years old (yes that is VERY spoiled). I however never took things for granted and always appreciated what I recieved.

The difference was when I started college at 17, they drew a line in the sand and refused to support me. They did of course let me live home and feed me, but that was about it. They refused to pay for my college, help with bills, etc. I took out a student loan, worked nights and paid my tuition until I left for the military (for the college money). I am a firm believer that it is fine to give your children what they want as long as its appreciated and they are "good" kids, but when they turn 18 they need to learn responcibility and work for things themselves. Now that I have a son I will probably use their example and raise him the same way.

Buahahahah! LOL, that makes absolutely no SENSE! You pay for your child's luxury items like toys but not for college? What kind of fscked up family is that. If your dad had the money to purchase those things for you when you were a kid, I'm sure he could have paid for your schooling... If anything, it should have been the other way around...

The parents believed that when you are old enough to support yourself, you should. Seems logical to me

There is a fine line between "paying for college" and "supporting your self". It's not like they couldn't have payed for the schooling and you payed for the books, room and board etc... You'd still be supporting your self while they payed for school...

 

[imported_Snagle]

Since I started working 3 years ago my parents havent bought me any items outside of food/hygene stuff/basic furniture. I've worked for and bought all my own shoes and clothes, my TV, computer, xbox, stereo, camera gear, tivo, etc. Of course I'm a little jealous when I see other kids and they are driving around in their $10,000 cars listening to their $500 ipods that their parents bought them but I'm actually glad that I've had to work for my stuff. I appreciate it all a lot more and I'm proud to say that I have a few thousand dollars worth of stuff that I have accumulated all by myself. I'll be taking out a student loan to pay for college but I know that I am going to do better because I'll be paying for the tuition and if I fck up it will only get more expensive.

 

[z0mb13]

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Originally posted by: z0mb13

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: SilentZero
I admit I was spoiled when I was younger. My parents bought me all the latest computers/modems and electronics (Commadore 64a & 64c, Apple IIe, IIGS, etc.... all the way up till I turned 18. They gave me transportation, paid for ski/snowboarding trips w/ friends, paid allowance, and every sunday after mass we would go to Toys R us and I would pick something out under ~$25 from about 3 years old until I was around 16 years old (yes that is VERY spoiled). I however never took things for granted and always appreciated what I recieved.

The difference was when I started college at 17, they drew a line in the sand and refused to support me. They did of course let me live home and feed me, but that was about it. They refused to pay for my college, help with bills, etc. I took out a student loan, worked nights and paid my tuition until I left for the military (for the college money). I am a firm believer that it is fine to give your children what they want as long as its appreciated and they are "good" kids, but when they turn 18 they need to learn responcibility and work for things themselves. Now that I have a son I will probably use their example and raise him the same way.

Buahahahah! LOL, that makes absolutely no SENSE! You pay for your child's luxury items like toys but not for college? What kind of fscked up family is that. If your dad had the money to purchase those things for you when you were a kid, I'm sure he could have paid for your schooling... If anything, it should have been the other way around...

The parents believed that when you are old enough to support yourself, you should. Seems logical to me

probably better to save money for college, rather than spending it on toys, no?

I'm guessing it wasn't an issue of the family not having money, but rather that SilentZero became old enough to work and supoprt himself

yea but that is retarded IMO.. kids at they age would choose toys over college.. parents are the one that should know the importance of college. When you reach 18, no way you would be able to support yourself and also going to college at the same time

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: z0mb13

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Originally posted by: z0mb13

Originally posted by: Mo0o

Originally posted by: goku

Originally posted by: SilentZero
I admit I was spoiled when I was younger. My parents bought me all the latest computers/modems and electronics (Commadore 64a & 64c, Apple IIe, IIGS, etc.... all the way up till I turned 18. They gave me transportation, paid for ski/snowboarding trips w/ friends, paid allowance, and every sunday after mass we would go to Toys R us and I would pick something out under ~$25 from about 3 years old until I was around 16 years old (yes that is VERY spoiled). I however never took things for granted and always appreciated what I recieved.

The difference was when I started college at 17, they drew a line in the sand and refused to support me. They did of course let me live home and feed me, but that was about it. They refused to pay for my college, help with bills, etc. I took out a student loan, worked nights and paid my tuition until I left for the military (for the college money). I am a firm believer that it is fine to give your children what they want as long as its appreciated and they are "good" kids, but when they turn 18 they need to learn responcibility and work for things themselves. Now that I have a son I will probably use their example and raise him the same way.

Buahahahah! LOL, that makes absolutely no SENSE! You pay for your child's luxury items like toys but not for college? What kind of fscked up family is that. If your dad had the money to purchase those things for you when you were a kid, I'm sure he could have paid for your schooling... If anything, it should have been the other way around...

The parents believed that when you are old enough to support yourself, you should. Seems logical to me

probably better to save money for college, rather than spending it on toys, no?

I'm guessing it wasn't an issue of the family not having money, but rather that SilentZero became old enough to work and supoprt himself

yea but that is retarded IMO.. kids at they age would choose toys over college.. parents are the one that should know the importance of college. When you reach 18, no way you would be able to support yourself and also going to college at the same time

SilentZero seemed to have done it. And plenty of other kids do it also . On another note, where the hell is SilentZero to respond to these messages

 

[MartyMcFly3]

Spoiled to me means getting stuff ranging from decent to great monetary value for little to no work, being unappreciative when receiving it, and it's at no cost to you.

Some examples:
Your parents buy you a brand new sportscar for no reason than just "Mom I want one"... spoiled
Your parents buy you a brand new video game for something you did to show their appreciation... not spoiled
Your parents buy you a brand new video game for no reason and though it's a good game and you know you will play it, you complain that it's not a better one... spoiled
Your parents offer to meet you 100% in funds for a car. (i.e. if you put up $500, so will they)... not spoiled.

 

[randomlinh]

The kid has no concept of what "work" really is IMO. Doing stuff around the house? c'mon.. that's just expected. I did get $5/week for mowin the lawn. Then he b!tches about how mom says the computer is for xmas.. one she helped pay for (using his logic, she still did pay for it.. she should just hold the CPU hostage, let him put the rest together).

basically, he's a 13yr old who grew up well off and *thinks* he appreciates it. But by our standards in society now... he's way off. However, again, he's only 13yrs old.. so we're probably giving him a bit too much of a hard time. I mean, he is 13. Kids these days...

 

[pontifex]

my parents never really had any money.
my dad worked in a steel mill for a long time until he hurt his shoulder. my mom was a nurse at a hospital for awhile, then she became the assistant nurse at my school. once my sister and i got into high school, she stayed there for a little bit then went back to school to become an RN. she works at a hospital again. My dad runs his own photography business but it doesn't bring in much money and he also works for the township where i live. so they still don't make much money.

anyway, when i turned 15 my parents said if i want stuff like a car and extras like video games and whatnot or brand name stuff, like nike shoes, i had to get a job, so i did. i ended up paying for almost everything except for living at home, food, and some clothes. its been that way ever since. they did sell me their car for $2000 when i know it would probably have sold for more if they traded it in or sold it to someone else. that car took up my whole savings at that point. ( i did lawn mowing before that job so i made a fair amount before the real job). only time we ever really got stuff from them was birthdays and christmas and then it wasn't much because they didn't have the money to blow on extras.

so when i see kids in brand new cars or people spending $5000 for a pc for their kid, i get a little jealous, but at least i know i relied on myself for what i had, not mommy and daddy.