Here you will find informative parenting information on what happens when parents overindulge children. This site is dedicated to teaching parents what to do instead. Overindulgence is much more than spoiling children. This webpage is informative, educational, and research based. You can (1) Read Our Blog; ParentTalk - A Blog Dedicated to Helping Parents Navigate Our Overindulgent World. (2) About Our Research; (3) Take a Free Online Course ”Parenting in the Age of Overindulgence"; and more.
The book, "How Much is Too Much?" is about overindulgence, written for parents, parent-educators, and other professionals who are concerned about overindulgence. Learn how it affects children and later surfaces as problems during adulthood.
-David Bredehoft published “The FoMo Trap Linked to Overindulgent Parenting” in Psychology Today on June 3, 2025. Fear of missing out traps individuals into believing they lead less significant lives. Constantly scrolling through pictures of friends leading exciting lives on social media creates the FoMO trap. Overindulgent parenting can hinder children's development and lead to negative consequences.
-David Bredehoft published “Overparented Daughters Hook Up More Frequently” in Psychology Today on April 1, 2025. The majority of college women participate in hookups. Parents who are overly involved in relationship decisions stunt their child's relationship choices. Daughters who were overparented reported greater numbers of hookup partners.
-David Bredehoft published “Why Indulgent Parents Make Adulting Such A Challenge" in Psychology Today on November 10, 2023. Research finds childhood overindulgence creates problems for emerging adults. Emerging adults are in-between, which makes "adulting" a difficult challenge. Overindulged children report needing to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for adulting. Parents can help their children become independent by requiring them to do chores and budgeting.