Some people seem to think the world owes them everything they want, exactly when they want it.
These ‘special snowflakes’ are clearly used to feeling like the centre of the universe, and they can’t fathom the reality that they’re really not. While there are many different reasons people end up with such a huge sense of entitlement, these childhood experiences tend to be common among them.
1. They were constantly told they were extraordinary.
These kids grew up hearing they were the best thing since sliced bread. Every drawing was a masterpiece, every recital was Broadway-worthy. While a bit of praise is great, this constant stream of adoration set them up to expect standing ovations for, well, everything. As adults, they struggle with the reality that not everyone sees them as the prodigies their parents did.
2. Their parents solved all their problems.
Whenever a challenge arose, mum or dad swooped in to save the day. Forgot your homework? Dad’s on his way to school with it. Don’t like your teacher? Mum’s already on the phone with the headmaster. These kids never had to face the music or learn to problem-solve on their own. In adulthood, they often feel ill-equipped to handle life’s obstacles without someone else’s intervention.
3. They never heard the word ‘no’.
For these kids, ‘no’ was a foreign concept. Want a new toy? Sure! Want to stay up late? Why not! This created a world where they expected to get whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted it. Reality check? Not included. As grown-ups, they often react poorly to rejection or limitations, seeing them as personal affronts rather than normal parts of life.
4. They were the centre of every family event.
Source: Unsplash Every gathering, every holiday, every dinner conversation revolved around them. Aunt Sally’s big promotion? Cool, but let’s talk about little Timmy’s macaroni art instead. This constant spotlight made them expect to be the main character in everyone else’s story, too. In adult social situations, they often struggle to show interest in other people, always steering conversations back to themselves.
5. Their participation trophies filled a whole shelf.
These kids got awards for everything. Last place in the race? Here’s a trophy for trying! This created the idea that simply showing up was worthy of celebration, regardless of effort or achievement. As adults, they often expect praise for minimal effort and struggle with the concept of earning recognition through hard work and genuine accomplishment.
6. They never had to share or wait their turn.
Whether it was toys, attention, or treats, these kids always got first dibs. The concept of waiting or not getting something was alien to them. Sharing? That’s for other kids. In adulthood, this often translates to poor teamwork skills and difficulty in situations where they’re not given priority.
7. Their parents were their personal cheerleaders.
Mum and Dad were at every game, every performance, cheering the loudest. While support is great, this over-the-top enthusiasm gave them an inflated sense of their abilities and importance. As adults, they often feel let down by the lack of constant praise and struggle with self-motivation in the absence of an adoring audience.
8. They were given a voice in adult decisions.
These kids were treated like mini-adults, given a say in everything from family holidays to major life decisions. While it’s good to consider kids’ feelings, this approach made them think their opinion should always carry significant weight. In adult life, they often have difficulty accepting when their input isn’t sought or valued in every situation.
9. Their failures were always someone else’s fault.
Didn’t make the team? The coach is biased. Failed a test? The teacher doesn’t like you. These kids were never taught to take responsibility for their shortcomings, always finding an external scapegoat. This habit often follows them into adulthood, making it difficult for them to learn from mistakes or improve their performance.
10. They were constantly compared to other kids in positive ways.
“Why can’t other kids be more like you?” This kind of talk made them feel superior to their peers, creating a sense that they were somehow better than everyone else. As adults, they often struggle with feelings of disappointment or resentment when they’re not singled out as exceptional in work or social situations.
11. Their emotional outbursts were always catered to.
Tantrums weren’t met with discipline, but with appeasement. This taught them that big displays of emotion were an effective way to get what they want, a habit that’s hard to break in adulthood. In grown-up life, they often resort to dramatic reactions when things don’t go their way, expecting other people to cave to their demands.
12. They were given adult privileges without adult responsibilities.
These kids got the perks of being grown-up without any of the boring stuff. They had freedom and luxuries, but never had to earn them or learn the value of hard work. As adults, they often struggle with basic adulting tasks and may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities that come with independence.
13. Their parents were their personal assistants.
Source: Unsplash Mum and Dad were always there to pick up the slack. Forgot to do your laundry? Clean your room? Pack your lunch? No worries, it’s all taken care of. This created an expectation that everyone else would always be there to handle the mundane tasks of life. In adulthood, they often find themselves ill-prepared for the day-to-day responsibilities of running a household or managing their own affairs.
14. They were treated as more mature than they really were.
These kids were often praised for being ‘so mature for their age.’ This led them to believe they were somehow more advanced than their peers, deserving of special treatment and exceptions to the rules. As adults, they may struggle with situations where they’re treated as equals rather than being seen as exceptional or more deserving of privileges.
15. Their parents fought all their battles.
Source: Unsplash Whenever conflict arose, Mum or Dad was there to step in. This meant they never learned to handle disagreements or stand up for themselves in a healthy way. They expected other people to always advocate for them. In adult life, they often feel helpless in the face of confrontation or struggle to assert themselves in professional or personal relationships.
16. They were constantly told they were ‘special’.
While every child is unique, these kids heard it a bit too often. “You’re not like other kids,” was a common refrain. This created a sense that they were somehow separate from and superior to their peers, a mindset that’s tough to shake in adulthood. As grown-ups, they may find it difficult to relate to other people or feel a constant need to prove their ‘specialness’ in every situation.
