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Spoiled Child: Definition, Examples & Parenting Tips
Meaning 1：overindulged child (spoiled child)
spoiled child
/spɔɪld tʃaɪld/
n.
A child who behaves badly because they are given too much and not told ‘no’ often enough.
overindulged child
➕
/ˌoʊvərɪnˈdʌldʒd tʃaɪld/
n.
A child who has been given too much freedom, material goods, or attention without proper limits, resulting in selfish, demanding, or disrespectful behavior.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'spoil' (to ruin) + 'child'; refers to a child ruined by overindulgence.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a spoiled child as 'spoiled milk' of parenting: left too long without boundaries, it goes sour.
📖 Example
In the toy store, the little boy started screaming because his mother wouldn't buy him every toy he pointed at; everyone could tell he was a spoiled child.
In the toy store, the little boy started screaming because his mother wouldn't buy him every toy he pointed at; everyone could tell he was a spoiled child.
🔗 Collocations
raise a spoiled child – to bring up a child without setting boundaries
turn into a spoiled child – to become a child who behaves badly due to overindulgence
the spoiled child syndrome – a pattern of behavior resulting from excessive leniency
🔄 Synonyms
brat (n.) – A child who behaves badly and is annoying, often due to being spoiled.
overindulged kid (n.) – A child given too much without consequences.
willful child (n.) – A child who insists on having their own way, often because of lack of discipline.
🚫 Antonyms
well-behaved child (n.) – A child who obeys rules and shows good manners.
disciplined child (n.) – A child raised with firm boundaries and self-control.
humble child (n.) – A child who is modest and not demanding.
📖 Cultural Story
Commonly used in parenting advice since the 19th century to describe children given excessive freedom and material goods, leading to lack of discipline. Popularized by child psychology experts like Dr. Spock.
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