I wasn’t surprised to read about the college entrance scam. I’ve been horrified about the negative effects of “Affluenza” for a long time.

When affluence collides with influence, there’s sure to be be trouble. (the definition of Affluenza is “a psychological malaise affecting wealthy young people, symptoms of which include a lack of motivation, feelings of guilt, and a sense of isolation.)

A teenager in Texas was released from jail last year after killing four people while driving drunk. He served a measly 720 day sentence.

His defense? Growing up with too many resources, damaged him psychologically. He suffered from “Affluenza,” said his attorneys.His mom allegedly helped him escape to Mexico in an attempt to have him avoid jail time.

Way to go, Mom, that is, if you want to ensure your kid will remain messed up. I can only hope he doesn’t kill anyone else.

Are you so influential and entitled that you really believe the rules ofliving do not apply to you or to your children?

 I’ve been a family psychologist in affluent Newport Beach, California for thirty years. Experience shows me that rich kids are generally unhappier than their middle-class peers and are more likely to get into trouble, smoke, vape, use drugs and alcohol. They are caught stealing more often and are more likely to be depressed and anxious.

When rich parents run entitled interference for their kids, kids get to feel immune to consequences,

The formula for redemption?  Family counseling helps some. Religion or faith helps others.

Parents need to step up… change their ideas…. do less, not more for their children. They need to be available as cheerleaders and role models.

The law has to come down hard on those who facilitate the kind of nonsense which is filling our newspapers this week.

The children of the rich and powerful and well-connected have often been able to buy themselves out of most jams.

 Only when legitimate consequences are allowed to occur, will there be some changes.

What’s new and appalling is the revelation that it is not just kids who are acting out. Parents are not only perpetuating the trouble, they are cheating along with their kids.

I submit that they are setting their children up for failure.

I hope you don’t smoke weed with your kids. I spoke to three families last month who thought this was a fun thing to do.

I hope you don’t provide a keg for their high school parties, under any circumstances.

  I hope you allow your teenagers to experience the joy of real personal achievement.


Thanks For Visiting,

Email Dr. Linda

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Susan UpsonMarch 17, 2019 at 11:19 am

Very well said, Linda. Thank you

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Jeanette GlazerMarch 17, 2019 at 1:13 pm

I have 2 grandkids applying to colleges now.
Accepting and rejecting is part of the process. Fortunately they are happy with the ones that are coming back positive. Good grades and lots of volunteering should work. It’s the old fashioned system that works and they can feel good about themselves!

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Jackie KnollMarch 17, 2019 at 6:04 pm

Linda, I couldn’t have said it better myself! Here’s to hard working exceptional kids who earn their place in top universities through personal perseverance and rejection! Hope all is well with you and the family….

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Mike dormanMarch 17, 2019 at 8:03 pm

EXCELLENT! You nailed this in my opinion!. Thanks and I’m sending this on!

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Vicki BorthwickMarch 18, 2019 at 11:41 am

AMEN, AMEN & AMEN!!! Linda, you are SO RIGHT ON!!!
In the whole college admission mess, the kids are REALLY the losers and it could last their lifetimes !

Fear of failure in our country is driving force in the worst way! Parents CRIPPLE their kids by doing tooooo much for them because of “fear of failure” or being “perfect” or at least “better” than their peers. All the kids can learn is how to: lie, cheat, scheme & perhaps steal their way to “success”.

Real SUCCESS , in my opinion, comes FROM FAILURE because each human learns how to “pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again!”

Thanks for your writing and PLEASE…. get it published in as many places as parents can possibly read!!!

PS… we are in Maui in CELEBRATION of our 50th anniversary! You are a BIG PART of why we are celebrating with our entire family for the next 2 weeks!!!!!

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