In the words of Neill (1960), "The child is not an altruist. The child doesnot yet love in the sense of the mature love of an adult. It is an error toexpect something from a child which he can show only in a hypocritical way.Altruism develops after childhood."
Neill believed that although the psychic needs and capacities of the child mustbe nourished, that this does not mean that the child should be given everythingthat he or she asks for. Neill said, "Generally speaking, children todayget far too much, so much that they cease having appreciation for a gift.Parents and teachers who overdo the giving of presents are often those who donot love their children/students enough. Such parents/teachers have tocompensate by making a show of love, by showering with material gifts...Thespoiled child rarely values anything" (Neill, 1960).
Additionally, Neill stressed that the spoiled child or spoiled student is aproduct of the parent and/or teacher that wanted a second chance in life.Although people should want the best for their children and their students, theyshould not overdo it to the point of spoiling.
A child should not be permitted to violate the personal rights of others.Teachers who do not want to spoil, or over exalt, their students mustdistinguish between freedom and license [for more information on this statement,go to principle 6, freedom does not mean license].