To Scale

Alrighty, then. Middle child seems to have her attitude adjusted. It seems unlikely that she would go from diva to divine in less than 36 hours. Except that she is generally a sweet girl. Who happens to be soaking in a hormone bath. I figure this is just the warm-up for the trauma and drama that will likely accompany this age with our youngest daughter. The Middle Child is the reasonable one. Uh-oh.
Something will have to happen to give our darlings a better view of the advantages they enjoy. Because the constant barrage they receive outside our home (and from the assorted media we welcome into it) tells them constantly how much they are missing, need, or should want. Yet there is comparatively less that reminds them of how very blessed they are to have boundaries, parents who adore them, reasonable, but high, expectations to reach for, and the assorted niceties of food, clothing shelter, medical, dental, and vision care. And they actually recognize this in general.
They know where the food pantry is located, but they do not know anyone who relies on it. They have heard of the local homeless shelter, but no one they know sleeps there. They have heard of people losing jobs, but they do not live with the reality of unemployment or underemployment. (Nor do they really remember the periods of unemployment that shook up our household in 1996 and 2001.) They hear some of the nightly news, but we still exercise a measure of protection over them. They are not without care for others, but I am uncertain whether or not we are actively teaching them how precious others are--- that "I", "we", and "they" are not the center of the universe.
Which is the real reason for my ire when one of my precious children acts like a spoiled brat despite the desire to provide them with every advantage and opportunity.