It seems everyone is an addict these days. Some are addicted to drugs, others sugar, and still others unhealthy entertainment. Regardless of our drug of choice, we are a nation of addicts.
![Training for Addiction [One Minute Feature]](https://licensetoparent.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/addiction.jpg)
Have you ever stopped to think about when these addictive behaviors begin? Is there a way to identify early markers of addiction?
Why Gratuitous Choices and Entitlement Can Lead to Addictive Behavior
I was talking to a friend about a scene I observed in a local restaurant one day. A parent was allowing his 4-year-old son to order off the menu for himself—a right that the child had obviously routinely demanded. My friend interrupted me to say, “That’s exactly what Billy used to do from childhood.” Today, Billy is a 24-year-old heroin addict living with his parents.
Of course, not every kid who’s allowed to order off the menu now and then is going to grow up to be a heroin addict. Yet, when we routinely allow our kids to make gratuitous choices, entitlement is likely. This leads to unhealthy appetites and habits that can lead to addiction. Since even our kids’ appetites can be trained, why not train them well?
Photo via: Pixabay
