7 Signs You Have an Entitled Teenager & How to Deal with Them

Imagine this: You’ve just returned home after a long day at work, juggling countless responsibilities, only to be greeted by your teenager’s incessant demands for the latest smartphone, a shopping spree, or simply more freedom.

Instead of gratitude for what they already have, you’re met with complaints and unrealistic expectations. If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you might be dealing with an entitled teenager.

Entitlement in teenagers can be a challenging and often frustrating issue for parents to navigate. It’s not just about the constant demands and lack of appreciation; it’s about the underlying behaviors and attitudes that can impact their future relationships, work ethic, and overall well-being.

In this article, we’ll explore the seven key signs that indicate you may have an entitled teenager and, more importantly, provide practical strategies to help you address and mitigate these behaviors!

What is Teenage Entitlement?

Entitlement in the context of teenage behavior refers to an attitude where a teenager believes they deserve certain privileges or special treatment without putting in the corresponding effort or showing gratitude.

This mindset often manifests as demanding behavior, lack of appreciation, and an expectation that their desires should be prioritized above others' needs.

Why Teenagers Might Develop Entitled Attitudes

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of entitlement in teenagers:

1. Parental Indulgence: When parents frequently give in to their child's demands without setting boundaries or requiring effort, it can foster a sense of entitlement. Overindulgence, whether through material possessions, lack of discipline, or constantly prioritizing the child's needs, can teach teenagers that they are the center of the universe.

2. Societal Influences: Modern society often emphasizes consumerism and instant gratification. Social media, advertising, and peer pressure can amplify teenagers' desires for the latest trends, gadgets, or experiences, making them feel entitled to have what others have.

3. Lack of Responsibility: If teenagers are not given responsibilities or held accountable for their actions, they may not learn the value of hard work and the satisfaction that comes from earning something. Without these experiences, they might expect things to be handed to them without effort.

4. Modeling Behavior: Children and teenagers often mimic the behavior of their parents or significant adults in their lives. If they observe entitled attitudes in their role models, they are likely to adopt similar behaviors.

7 Signs You Have an Entitled Teenager

Identifying entitlement in your teenager can be challenging, but recognizing the signs early is essential for addressing these behaviors effectively.

Here are seven key signs that may indicate your teenager is developing an entitled attitude.

1. Lack of Gratitude

One of the most telling signs of an entitled teenager is a lack of gratitude. These teenagers often take the things they have for granted, whether it’s material possessions, opportunities, or even the efforts others make for them. They rarely, if ever, express thankfulness for what they receive, no matter how significant it is.

Examples:

• Receiving a gift and immediately criticizing it or asking for something better.
• Never saying “thank you” for everyday acts of kindness or assistance.
• Expecting parents to cater to their needs without acknowledging the effort involved.

2. Unrealistic Expectations

Entitled teens often demand a lot from their family, expecting parents to cater to their every need and siblings to prioritize their desires. 

Entitled teenagers often have unrealistic expectations about what they deserve or should be given. They might expect privileges and rewards without having to earn them or believe that rules and limitations do not apply to them. This creates unnecessary tension and conflict at home​.

Examples:

• Expecting to be given the latest technology or fashion items without any consideration of cost or effort.
• Demanding allowances or rewards without contributing or fulfilling responsibilities.
• Believing they should be exempt from household rules or chores.

3. Disrespect for Authority

Entitled teenagers frequently show disrespect for authority figures, including parents, teachers, and other adults. They often question rules, defy instructions, and show little regard for the consequences of their actions.

Refusing to take responsibility for their actions and blaming others is a common trait among entitled teens. They avoid accountability, which prevents them from learning from their mistakes and building resilience​​.

Examples:

• Talking back to parents or teachers in a dismissive or rude manner.
• Ignoring rules or boundaries set by authority figures.
• Challenging or undermining decisions made by adults in their lives.

4. Refusal to Take Responsibility

A hallmark of entitlement is a refusal to take responsibility for one’s actions. Entitled teenagers often blame others for their mistakes or shortcomings and make excuses instead of owning up to their behavior. 

Consistently enforcing responsibilities and consequences is crucial in teaching them the value of contributing to the household​​.

Examples:

• Blaming teachers for poor grades instead of acknowledging a lack of effort or study.
• Refusing to apologize or make amends when they have wronged someone.
• Making excuses for not completing tasks or following through on commitments.

5. Constant Complaining

Entitled teenagers are rarely satisfied with what they have and tend to complain frequently. They focus on what they lack or what others have that they don’t, rather than appreciating their own possessions and opportunities.

Examples:

• Complaining about their current possessions and demanding new ones.
• Expressing dissatisfaction with family activities or plans.
• Constantly comparing themselves to peers and feeling shortchanged.

6. Expecting Special Treatment

An entitled teenager often believes they deserve special treatment simply because of who they are. They expect others to prioritize their needs and desires over everyone else’s and become upset or indignant when this doesn’t happen.

Examples:

• Expecting parents to drop everything to cater to their needs or wants.
• Demanding preferential treatment in social or academic settings.
• Becoming angry or resentful when they don’t receive special privileges.

7. Lack of Empathy

Entitlement can lead to a lack of empathy, as these teenagers are so focused on their own needs that they fail to consider the feelings or circumstances of others. This can make it difficult for them to form meaningful connections and show compassion.

Examples:

• Showing little concern for how their actions affect others.
• Being unable or unwilling to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
• Dismissing or minimizing the struggles or emotions of others.

Recognizing these signs in your teenager is the first step towards addressing the issue. The next section will provide practical strategies to help you deal with entitlement and guide your teenager towards more responsible and empathetic behavior.

How to Deal with Your Entitled Teenager

1. Set clear boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries is crucial for addressing entitlement in teenagers. Boundaries help your teenager understand limits and teach them that privileges must be earned, not given. Think of boundaries as guardrails—they keep your teenager safe and on track.

Boundaries provide structure and consistency, essential for healthy development. When teenagers know what to expect, they feel more secure and are less likely to push back. Clear boundaries also help them understand the consequences of their actions, fostering accountability and respect for rules and authority.

To establish and enforce boundaries, clearly communicate the rules and expectations. Sit down with your teenager and explain the reasons behind the rules.

Be consistent with enforcing consequences for breaking rules to avoid confusion. Encourage open discussions about boundaries to foster a collaborative and respectful relationship.

2. Encourage responsibility

Teaching responsibility helps entitled teenagers develop accountability. By assigning tasks and expecting follow-through, you instill a strong work ethic and sense of duty. Responsibility can be nurtured through simple, everyday tasks that contribute to the household.

Assign age-appropriate chores that make your teenager feel like a valuable part of the family team. Rotate tasks to ensure variety and skill development. Hold them accountable for completing their tasks, and ensure they understand the consequences of not following through.

Teaching responsibility offers immense benefits. It develops a sense of accomplishment and self-worth and teaches the value of hard work. These experiences prepare them for adult responsibilities, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate adulthood.

3. Communicate openly and effectively

Open communication is key to building trust and understanding between you and your teenager. It provides opportunities to explain the reasons behind rules and expectations, fostering a more cooperative relationship.

Listen actively to show that you value their opinions and feelings. This helps them feel heard and respected. Explain your decisions clearly, so they understand the rationale behind rules and consequences.

Encourage dialogue by creating a safe space for them to express their thoughts and concerns, which can help address issues before they escalate.

Open communication strengthens your bond and helps your teenager feel more involved and respected in the family dynamic.

Wrapping it Up

Recognizing and addressing entitlement in teenagers is crucial for their development into well-rounded, responsible adults. By setting clear boundaries, encouraging responsibility, and fostering open communication, you can guide your teenager toward a more balanced and respectful outlook on life.

These strategies not only help mitigate entitled behaviors but also instill essential values like gratitude, accountability, and empathy.

The journey may be challenging, but the long-term benefits of raising grateful and empathetic individuals are well worth the effort. Stay proactive, patient, and hopeful as you navigate this important aspect of parenting.