Imagine this: you're in line at the checkout, and your 4-year-old son suddenly grabs a toy and demands you buy it. When you say "no," he throws a tantrum, complete with screaming, crying, and pouting. Sound familiar?

If so, your child might be spoiled. A survey by Parenting and Today Moms revealed that 59% of parents believe their children are more spoiled than other children their age.

According to American educational psychologist Michele Borba, all children have bad days, and so do adults. But spoiled children always want everything to revolve around their needs, feelings, and desires.

Illustrative photo: Huffpost

Illustrative photo: Huffpost

Clinical psychologist and founder of Aha! Parenting, Dr. Laura Markham, believes that children react in ways their parents have taught and allowed them to. "Children do what we train them to do, what we lead them to expect," Markham says. "If we raise our children permissively and never set limits, they won't be used to meeting appropriate limits."

Many parents spoil their children to compensate for their own deprived childhoods or to give their children the best. Sometimes, they are simply too tired to establish consistent discipline after a long day at work.

But experts warn that if you frequently notice the following signs in your child, you need to adjust your parenting style.

Tantrums when denied: Therapist LeNaya Smith Crawford says it’s normal for young children who don’t know how to express their emotions to throw tantrums. However, if this behavior continues and doesn't improve as they grow older, it's a warning sign. "How does your child usually react to the word 'no'?" Borba asks. "Spoiled children can't handle that word. They expect to get what they want and often do everything to get it."

Never satisfied: "Because they have a lot, they tend to be ungrateful and a bit greedy," Borba explains. They rarely say "thank you," and instead, it's more "I want..."

Self-centered: "Spoiled children think more about themselves than others. They feel entitled and expect special treatment," Borba says.

Instant gratification: "Often, giving in is easier than delaying a child's request," Borba notes.

Can't accept defeat: Expert Virginia Williamson warns that if your child always blames others when they perform poorly, expects praise for everything they do, yells at others when they don't get their way, and doesn't acknowledge the success of others, you might have a spoiled child.

Using tricks to get approval: Smith Crawford gives an example of a child going to their dad and saying that their mom already agreed to let them buy something.

Refusing simple tasks unless bribed: Psychologist Suzanne Gelb shares that if you rely on bribery to motivate your child, then the next time you ask your 8-year-old to clear the dishes from the dinner table, don't be surprised if they ask, "How much will you pay me?"

To change a child's behavior, Michele Borba suggests that parents need to be clear that this will be a process with resistance. Children may react negatively at first, but consistency is key. "Allow them to cry and be upset. Be empathetic, while maintaining your limits and expecting that your child will be able to handle those limits," Markham adds.

Here are some practical ways for parents to reset limits: Say "no" firmly. Teach your child gratitude every day. Encourage empathy and sharing. Focus on non-material values. Guide instead of punish. Create joy from simple things.

Nhat Minh (Huffpost)