[Gus Berges]

@ stomachmonkey: I feel your pain. I have twins that were born prematurely. It has been an uphill battle even before they were born when my wife spent two months in the hospital due to pregnancy complications. Nearly 16 years later, we are still struggling with their challenges: ADHD, Dyscalculia, Dysexecutive syndrome, and working memory challenge.

That said, my wife and I have made every effort to make them "self sustainable" and many other parents look up to us due to our parenting skills as they will readily admit that they have spoiled their kids. Ours may not be the "sharpest tool in the shed", but they more than make up for it in other aspects of life that may bring them independence: courteous, friendly, outgoing, well mannered, educated, etc. One of them has developed an innate sense/being regarding sales (I'm a sales professional). The other has more challenges, but we have made it clear that it is up to him and him alone to get what he wants.

To the rest of the readers, yes, there is a TON of examples of helicopter parents, spoiled brats, "entitled" attitude, etc. I do worry for what the future generation may bring as it is the generation that my kids will be part of. As you perfectly pointed out: "There is no manual on how to deal with this stuff". I will readily admit that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy a "comfortable" life based on my own merits, but I have also made it very clear to my twins that if they want the material things that I have gotten, it all depends on them, as my wife and I will not simply "gift" them things. At the end of the day, material stuff comes and goes, I'm more concerned about the person they will become.