What's the difference between spoiling a child and...

A spoiled child?

'Spoiling' a child usually means giving a child what
they want because they want it - without requiring
any effort to be put forth by the child.

'Spoiling a child' implies that giving them 'their own way'
will ruin the child's character.

Parents, and the other people in a child's life ; grandparents,
siblings, teachers, etc. - have a responsibility to teach a child
the value of the things they do and of the things they have -
(work, study, education, pets, toys, clothing, etc.)

Children do not automatically know these things, nor do they
understand unless someone explains it to them.
Children must be taught an appreciation of what they have
and that they must take care of it - and HOW to take care of it -
and shown that else they won't have it long.
They aren't born knowing any of this - or much of anything else. [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

In some people's opinion, something is valued more if it is
worked for and 'earned' than if it is a gift with little or
no effort put forth to acquire it.
I don't think that's true; appreciation has to be taught -
and it is the adults in a child's life whose (who's?) [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
responsibility it is to teach it.

A "spoiled" child (as in: a "ruined" child) may be the
result of simply giving a child whatever it is that they
want, with no effort made to see to it that they understand
and appreciate how it came to them.
I think that is also the responsibility of - and depends on -
the parents and other the adults that are influential
in the child's life.

A spoiled child is one who expects any-and-all demands
to be met simply because they demand it.

As a result of indulgence without judgement, the child
appreciates nothing and has no understanding of what it
takes to obtain it. To me, that is truly a 'spoiled' child. };>

What Ja'aj said.

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Hi, Tater! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Sorry! about that! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] };>

No need to apologize, I was just agreeing with you, and basically saying you got it covered.

Thanks, Tater!
You're very kind [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] - and thanks for not saying I talk too much ! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] };>