I recently attended a training by Dr. James A. Fogarty (Ed.D.) entitled “Overindulged Children and the Adults They Become”.
Dr. Fogarty gives two definitions to overindulgence:
1. “The first definition requires access to finances via wealth or false-wealth (credit card debt). Parents give to their children which is a replacement for mentoring to children. Their severe overindulgences are a replacement for parenting.”
2. ”The second definition requires no finances. Parents, without wealth or false wealth, give their children too much permission too soon. Therefore, their children are not prepared to manage life, as the complications of life come too soon.”
In his powerful book, “Over-Indulged Children: A Parent’s Guide to Mentoring”, Dr. Fogarty expertly describes how to love your children right, fight your overindulging tendencies and coach your children to happy, healthy independence.
Kate Sanner, ACSW, LCSW-C
