Dr. Mamen writes in her Preface, “We live in a child-centered society where children’s wants and demands are increasingly being given priority over marital or family harmony, financial considerations, parental sanity, common courtesy, quiet enjoyment, respect, and common sense.” She is quick to point out that pampered children are not just enjoying frequent shopping sprees at the toy store. These are children who are not given any limits by their parents. No amount of time or sacrifice by their parents is ever enough. Such parents are usually loving and well-intentioned but have no idea how much damage they are causing. The child will grow-up socially dysfunctional, expecting the world to coddle them. One of the defining characteristics of Pampered Child Syndrome is that both parent and child factors have come together to mimic other well-known psychiatric and psychological diagnoses. The condition is often misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Dr. Mamen’s book can help parents recognize and undo the damage caused by Pampered Child Syndrome.

Maggie Mamen, Ph.D is a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years’ experience working with children and their parents. Born and raised in London, she now lives in Canada. She is the author of Who’s in Charge? A Guide to Family Management and Laughter, Love & Limits: Parenting for Life.

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