Running head: PAMPERED CHILDREN Pampered Children and the Impact of Parenting Styles

Parents have pampered children for many years. Alfred Adler‟s Adlerian theory understands the significance of pampering children and the difficulties that arise later in life for these children. Overindulgence, overpermissive, overdomineering, overnurture, and overprotection describe five different categories of pampering. The definitions of the pampering categories vary and often overlap the categories of parenting styles. Parents intend to parent effectively but external and internal influences can influence them to pamper their children. The effects of these pampering styles inadequately prepare children to handle life situations. Authoritative parenting style combined with Adlerian influences creates effective parenting without pampering.