It is really that simple. The problem is that as modern American parents we have come to believe the misnomer that children will eventually reach maturity by themselves, and little input from us is needed. Consequently, from the time our children are born, we feed their desire for self-indulgence and accidentally keep them immature. Since so many American parents indulge their children, America is filled with immature, gratification-oriented teenagers. National researchers and experts, not realizing that teenage rebellion and self-absorption is a phenomena of this century, and unique to only a few affluent nations like ours, have concluded such behavior is a natural and temporary phase of growing up.
Most teens do grow up, but sadly, too few become mature.
Although most of us as parents love our children, our commitment to their happiness harms them. Indulged children are unprepared for adulthood. They have been sent the message that their personal happiness is of supreme importance, so they grow up thinking it is owed them. They ultimately lack the self discipline necessary for successful employment, and their self-centeredness will cause strife in their marriages. From the time they are young, our children must learn that life is not about fun and entertainment, nor is it about personal happiness and self-gratification.