I will agree parents over indulge their kids but 12 yearolds with i-phone is a better example of that then three yearolds wearing helmets. Does a toddler on trike need a helmet? No but if you make him wear it then it creates the habit and a five yearold on bike does need a helmet. Playing with child on the playground is bonding not indulgence (assuming it isn't the only way they are allowed to play). Yelling at the teacher because your third grader got a F on a book report for a book he didn't read and that he wrote on the buss ride to school is over indulgence.

Over indulgence is a problem and it has created a generation of lazy narcissist who fold up like a cheap table when any pressure is put on them but lets be clear about what that overindulgence looks like.