Are They Your Little Angel Or Devil?
Preventable or not, some kids have obvious angelic traits, while other gremlins can't help but misbehave. Some kids carry both qualities; one day, they're your princess, and the next, you pull out your hair. Not sure where your offspring stands on the scale? Here are signs you're raising a spoiled brat or a precious Earth angel:
1. They Laugh At Others Crying
A little brat has an evil laugh when they snicker at others in distress. If they laugh when their younger sibling is throwing a tantrum or a classmate is crying at school, it's a tell sign you might be raising a little devil. They find enjoyment watching other kids struggle instead of feeling empathetic.
2. They Don’t Share
You might have a brat on your hands if they're not good at sharing. They snatch their toys out of others' hands and wouldn't dare give you one of their animal crackers. They don't understand that sharing is caring and would rather keep their possessions all to themselves.
3. They Brag To Their Friends
A sure sign of a spoiled brat is a kid that brags about their new toys or clothes to their friends. They go on and on about how Daddy bought them a puppy or how they own the coolest iPad. There's no filter and no consideration of anyone else's feelings.
4. You Catch Them Telling Lies
"I already brushed my teeth!" they say when you tell them to get ready for bed. Meanwhile, they haven't left their post in front of the TV since the last time you asked. If you catch them telling lies at a young age you're in for some trouble.
5. They Think “No” Means “Yes”
Unless it's opposite day, the meaning of no is often pretty clear at a young age. You told them they can't have another cookie but that doesn't phase them. They either ask another adult who doesn't know any better or continue to munch on their Oreos as if "no" meant "yes".
6. They Fake Injuries
You can spot a brat on the soccer field by the way they play. They're usually the ones that play rough but can't handle it when the role is reversed. They're really good at slide tackling and faking injuries, much like their role models in the professional leagues. Faking an injury is a manipulative behavior to get what they want or put blame on someone else.
7. They Talk Back
Arguing with your threenanger is hopeless. They have so much attitude and always something to say back to you with as much sass as they can muster. A little brat knows the right things to say to push your buttons and blow you up.
8. They’re Always Asking For More
You spoil them with new toys but after a week they're bored. They keep asking for more when they already have so much. They don't notice the playroom is packed to the brim and when they have a visitor, they're shocked if they don't receive a gift.
9. They’re Sore Losers
A sign of a brat is a kid that has to win at all costs. They'll bend the rules if it works in their favor and if their team loses or they get beaten at a card game, they'll sulk or argue their loss. They don't show support when another kid scores a goal, they get upset that it wasn't them, even if it's a teammate.
10. They Receive More Than Give
It's a one-way street for a kid that doesn't understand the act of gift giving. They love to receive presents but rarely return the kind gesture. They don't think about showing love and gratitude, they're more focused on what others bring to them.
On the contrary, these are signs you may be raising a sweet little angel.
1. “Please” And “Thank You” Are Their Catchphrases
A sign of an angel on Earth is a kid that uses please and thank you in every sentence. They're overly polite and make every grown up they talk to smile. Sometimes they say "thank you!" even when it's unnecessary.
2. They Show Empathy
A heavenly child shows empathy. They feel for others and know when to console a sibling or a friend in tears. They would never laugh on purpose if they knew it was hurtful and they don't like to see anybody upset.
3. They Dish Out Compliments
You've got a real gem of a kid if they like to dish out compliments to others. Do they stare into your eyes and tell you you're beautiful? They often let strangers know that they like what they're wearing and they thrive off the reactions they get when they repeat nice things they've heard.
4. They Love To Share
Some kids love to share and it's an act of kindness that can last a lifetime. They're the kids that always offer you a bite of their half-eaten food without realizing how gross it looks. They feel the satisfaction after lending a toy or sharing a game with their peers.
5. They Make Friends Fast
It's no surprise that your little angel makes friends fast. Their beautiful energy radiates and attracts others to them. They're very friendly and will interact with anybody they're close to.
6. They Connect To Nature
A sign your kid is a sweetheart is their connection to nature. They observe the natural elements closely and ask questions. They don't squish the ants, they watch them play follow the leader and are mesmerized by them. You hope these traits stick because they'll grow up to appreciate nature and take care of their environment.
7. They Want To Help
Even if it slows you down, they always want to help out. They want to set the table for dinner or carry bags to the car. You bought them a toy cleaning set because they just love to help you with the household chores. It's a win-win scenario–– the earlier they learn about chores, the better for everyone.
8. They Parent Their Siblings
A big sister or brother expose their wings when they copy what their parents do to take care of their younger sibling. They stroke their head when they're crying or tuck them into a blanket and kiss them on the cheek. They repeat phrases they've heard you say like "it's ok little one" and it melts your heart.
9. They Make Gifts
You're running out of space on the fridge because your little angel is an artist that keeps drawing you masterpieces. They're the kids that paint pictures or make cards for everyone in the family for no reason. If there's a birthday or a holiday they can't wait to show you what they've made.
10. They're Patient
It's angelic when a kid is patient. Whether they're politely waiting for their turn at the playground or at the table for dinner, it's a breath of fresh air. They don't make a fuss about waiting and they learn to be patient with others.