what do you think of a kid who when given a new phone for his birthday, complains that it isn't an iphone?

well said

oh yes, but the lack of gratitude for a gift is just so wrong

@JaggedLittlePill: You say these words. Critical point. Mindset. Authority. By the time I was five I knew that I needed to share. I knew that you should be grateful for any gift you are given. So, I wonder what the difference between myself at a younger age and your son is? The environment. The parents. Children start learning far before eleven. It is foolish to believe that the age eleven is when it becomes critical. If you're only trying to teach him such lessons now than you have bigger promblems than my 'blanket statements'.

@LittleMystery: oh you must be a genius then. Spare me.

I happen to have studied child psychology as part of my Early Childhood Education major. So..just pointing out I have some background in the words I speak..not anecdotal bs.

P.s. saying that the age of 11 is a critical point does not mean there is not teaching before hand.

@AngryPanda: Yeah okay

@MrJohnson4: [c=#BF0080]I'd lay it out simple.. that's how I do my kids when they're unappreciateve of something.[/c]

@pinkrainbowkisses: one guy answered this question saying the parents should know their kids better as if to say they should have got the kid the iphone". Jeeez as if any people can afford the latest iphone?

@pinkrainbowkisses: as if all* people I meant to put

haha yep good way to deal with it

@MrJohnson4: Don't know how old that child is but think they could benefit greatly by getting a job and earning the money for buying their own Iphone and monthly payments.

yes well said