Teachers recognize them in their classrooms; professionals encounter them in their offices; parents live with them in their homes: CHILDREN . . .

who are given everything, but constantly demand more;

who believe that they are entitled to the same rights as adults, but are not ready to accept grown-up responsibilities;

who are loved, nurtured and protected, yet are unhappy, anxious or angry; and

who are increasingly being diagnosed with emotional, behavioural or other major psychiatric disorders.

The Pampered Child Syndrom is not something a child has, like the measles. Nor is it something a child is, like "depressed" or "defiant" or "a problem." It is a multifaceted sociological and psychological phenonmenon, driven and supported by parents who truly believe they have their child's best interests at heart, and who work hard to ensure that their youngsters are given everything possible to make them feel special. In turn, the Pampered Child Syndrome is fueled by the media, advertisers and those professionals who recommend child-driven parenting practices, and whose advice parents hungrily seek and follow. Despite every good intention, the result is an increasind number of children who are not merely influenced by te philosophies with which they are growing up, but who may unwittingly be at risk because of them.

This book provides insight and support for parents, teachers and other professionals who are trying to deal with these pampered children, and who can work constructively as a team to promote change. The goal is for parents to take back the power they have given away, and to be confident in raising resilient, empathic, and mentally healthy children who are well-prepared for the world outside the family.