Entitlement can be defined as the belief that one is inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment. This attitude has been increasingly observed among younger generations. As a college professor for the past 13 years, I have witnessed a marked rise in entitlement among my students, which feels alarming. Many students now routinely request extensions on assignments, assuming they should be allowed to submit work late simply because they were busy with other commitments. The expectation that deadlines or instructions are negotiable is a recent development that reflects a broader cultural shift. It seems that many young people today believe they deserve rewards before putting in the effort to earn them.

The purpose of this discussion, however, is not to criticize young people. Their worldview often reflects previous generations’ attempts to protect them from struggles. While shielding children from hardship may seem noble, it can hinder their ability to navigate life’s challenges in healthy, resilient ways. In many cases, children have been told they can achieve anything, but they were not adequately prepared for the effort, discipline, and setbacks that come with achieving success.

Some parents express frustration over their children’s lack of motivation, often pointing to the hours spent on electronic devices. Yet, it’s important to recognize that many of these devices are provided without clear boundaries or expectations. Entitlement thrives when children believe that everything will be handed to them. The antidote to this mindset is gratitude. Raising........

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