Being “spoiled” as a kid often gets a bad rap — often for good reason.
Growing up getting everything you want when you want it can turn a child into a pretty insufferable and entitled adult. That being said, it’s not all bad news. Sometimes, the little ways your parents indulged you actually set you up for success later in life. Here are a few ways being spoiled might’ve been a good thing after all.
1. They gave you loads of praise.
Sure, they might’ve cheered when you did something as simple as tying your shoes, but that constant encouragement helped build your confidence. Knowing someone believed in you gave you the courage to try new things—and keep going when things got tough. A little praise can go a long way!
2. They let you express yourself.
Maybe they didn’t blink an eye when you wore mismatched clothes or went through that cringey phase of singing at the top of your lungs. Allowing you to express yourself taught you to embrace who you are without shame. That freedom helped you grow into someone who’s comfortable in their own skin.
3. They did your laundry (even when you were old enough).
Okay, so maybe you didn’t master the washing machine until later in life. But having parents who took care of these chores showed you the importance of being cared for. And honestly, learning to accept help can be just as valuable as doing everything yourself.
4. They let you stay home from school when you weren’t that sick.
A day off when you were a bit sniffly might seem indulgent, but it taught you that it’s okay to rest when you need to. Knowing your limits and taking time to recharge is an underrated life skill. Plus, who doesn’t need a duvet day now and then?
5. They gave you treats “just because.”
Source: Pexels Random sweets, toys, or trips to your favourite place weren’t necessarily about rewards. Sometimes, it was just about joy. Those little acts of kindness showed you that you don’t have to earn every good thing—you deserve happiness just because you’re you.
6. They listened to your opinions.
Source: Unsplash Whether it was deciding what to have for dinner or what film to watch, your thoughts were taken seriously. This helped you understand that your voice matters. Now, you’re not afraid to speak up, knowing your ideas and feelings are valid.
7. They made your favourite meals all the time.
Sure, it might’ve seemed a bit extra when they whipped up your favourite pasta dish for the third time that week, but it showed you what care and comfort feel like. Food has a way of making people feel loved, and knowing that comfort is available can be incredibly grounding.
8. They gave you loads of attention.
Source: Unsplash Whether they showed up to every school play or asked about your day in detail, their attention reinforced that you were important. Feeling seen and heard as a kid can help you feel secure in relationships later on. You learn that you deserve attention and care.
9. They let you quit things you didn’t love.
Sometimes, knowing when to walk away is a skill. If your parents let you quit piano lessons when you hated every minute of it, they taught you to respect your own interests. You’re allowed to explore new things without being tied to them forever. Knowing when to say, “This isn’t for me,” is healthy.
10. They helped with your homework.
Sure, maybe they hovered a bit too much, but having that support showed you that help is always available when you need it. You learned that struggling doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
11. They made your birthdays a big deal.
Those extravagant birthday parties or special traditions weren’t just about the cake. They showed you that celebrating milestones and making memories matter. Knowing you’re worth celebrating teaches you to value your own achievements and cherish life’s special moments.
12. They let you sleep in on weekends.
Sleeping until noon might’ve seemed indulgent, but it taught you the importance of rest. In a world that glorifies being busy, knowing how to recharge and take it slow is a gift. Plus, those lazy mornings are some of the best memories, right?
13. They gave you a bit too much freedom.
Maybe you had a later bedtime than your friends or fewer rules about screen time. But that trust helped you develop independence. You learned how to make decisions for yourself (and deal with the consequences). A little freedom goes a long way in building self-reliance.
14. They made sure you felt safe and secure.
Whether it was leaving a nightlight on or checking under the bed for monsters, your parents’ commitment to making you feel safe gave you a strong foundation. That sense of security taught you that it’s okay to trust the world and that you’re supported, no matter what.
15. They let you win sometimes.
Maybe they let you beat them at board games or races in the garden. It might seem like a small thing, but those little wins boosted your confidence and made you feel capable. And let’s be honest, it felt amazing to beat Dad at Monopoly.
16. They encouraged your dreams, no matter how wild.
If you announced you wanted to be a rock star, an astronaut, or a dinosaur (hey, dreams are dreams), they probably nodded and cheered you on. That encouragement taught you that your dreams matter, and nothing is too outlandish to aim for. Even if you didn’t become a dinosaur, that belief stayed with you.
