Grant Cardone Challenges Entitlement Culture: 'You Guys Tell Your Kids They Can Be A F***ing Cat. Your Kids Can't Be A Cat. Tell Your Kids The Truth. Be A Parent'

Grant Cardone, a prominent entrepreneur and motivational speaker, recently sparked a debate with his Instagram reel posted on December 23. In the post, Cardone bluntly addresses parenting, urging them to be realistic with their children about their prospects and ambitions.

Cardone said, “You guys tell your kids they can be a f***ing cat. Your kids can’t be a cat. No matter how much they try.” He emphasized the importance of hard work, acknowledging that while becoming a ballerina, astronaut, rapper or sports star is possible through sheer effort, the odds are often against success. “They could win a Super Bowl…if they worked their asses off. But more than likely, they ain’t gonna make it, period. You need to tell your kids the truth.”

His commentary extends beyond career aspirations to broader issues of responsibility and entitlement. Cardone criticizes some parents for overindulging their children, hindering their ability to become independent and responsible adults. “Parents, quit giving your kids everything,” he said. “Your kids got time to protest in the streets about sh*t they know nothing about a country they can’t find on a map.” 

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The reel has stirred various responses. Some viewers agree with Cardone’s call for a more grounded approach to parenting, arguing that setting realistic expectations helps prepare children for the challenges of adult life. Others find his words overly harsh, suggesting that encouraging children to dream big is a crucial part of nurturing their development.

Cardone’s direct approach, characterized by his statement “Be a parent. Tell them the truth,” reflects a growing conversation about the balance between supporting children’s dreams and preparing them for real-world challenges. 

Research led by Stanford education professor Jelena Obradović supports Cardone’s viewpoint, emphasizing the need for realism in parenting. The study found that excessive parental involvement, particularly in directing activities when children are engaged, can undermine behavioral development. It revealed that children whose parents frequently intervened with instructions or suggestions despite their children being on task had more difficulty regulating their behavior and emotions. Over-engagement was evident across the socioeconomic spectrum, challenging the notion that it’s only a problem in affluent families​​​​.

Today’s parents are often labeled as “helicopter” or “snowplow” caregivers, a trend that has increased with parents spending more time with their children than previous generations. Heightened involvement can be counterproductive, especially around crucial developmental stages such as kindergarten, when children are expected to manage their attention and emotions independently​​​​.

The study also highlighted the importance of finding a balance in engagement, noting that excessive parental involvement when a child is focused on a task correlates with difficulties in self-regulation and other behaviors. While guidance is crucial at times, there are instances where children should be left to lead or work independently. This approach supports cognitive development and builds independence​​.

According to Psychology Today, overindulgence, which can manifest as too many toys, privileges, activities or lack of boundaries, sets children up for failure and pain in adulthood. It prevents them from learning the skills necessary for independence. Over-nurturing or doing too much for children inhibits their ability to entertain themselves and manage their own lives effectively. ​

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Image: Grant Cardone on YouTube