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

not always the case, sometimes the kid is a spoiled brat.... and the parents are doing best they can

@MrJohnson4: It doesn't work like that. If a child is given what they want without question... they start to feel like they should get it anyway. Is he the youngest or is he an only child?

By the way, before any offence is taken in any way, this is all in my opinion.

@LittleMystery: Actually it does and CAN work like that.
My son thinks he is owed the world and no matter what he is told he will still think the same. Do I give in? No. Regardless he still has the same mindset. He is 11 they are selfish and it is at this critical time they are taught about such things. Do not make blanket statements you have zero to back them up with other than it is your opinion and I am willimg to be you are no authority on the matter.

@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.