7 Things All Kids are Entitled to

Years ago I visited the historic island of Alcatraz with my sister. From 1934–1963 it was used as a maximum security Federal prison. It was fascinating to see the actual cells where some of the most ruthless and notorious criminals had lived. As each prisoner arrived at the facility, they received a copy of Alcatraz’s rules and regulations. It is the only penitentiary I’ve ever visited, but the feeling was cold and eerie.

Upon finishing our tour, there was the usual gift shop to grab a memento of the visit. Typically we choose a magnet to add to our collection. To my surprise, I found some of the rules and regulations on ready-to-buy magnets. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when I saw this:

Alcatraz Regulation #5: “You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege.”

How often have you felt like reminding your kids of this very thing?

Entitlement

Entitlement is the attitude of children who think they can have, should have, and deserve whatever they want, whatever their friends have — and they should have it now, and not have to earn or give anything for it.”
Richard and Linda Eyre

The world of entitlement easily sneaks into our homes. I’ve been thinking about the difference between a privilege…