The “Claim It” Syndrome could be said to have been introduced through the preaching of some Pastors of the new generation Pentecostal Churches that emerged towards the end of the last century. This was the profession of the pastors to their congregations then, and now it has become a mindset common among the younger generation, who seem to be quite possessive. They display a very strong sense of entitlement.

This attitude can be seen in our youths in our families, at work places, and in relationships. Anyone with the “Claim it” mind set feels entitled to anything that he/ she desires even if it does not belong to him/her, but to the family or even to a group of people. This mindset affects even the stability of a union, say a marriage. You can find out that a woman can be more concerned about what she can get out of the marriage in the situation of separation or even divorce rather than been concerned, and fight to keep the marriage for the good of all especially the innocent children.

She would show no care for the consequences of the dissolution on the children or family at large, but will be excited about what assets or monies she would get if the marriage is put asunder. It could also be the man with such a mindset.

Work places are not left out talking of how the syndrome affects relationships. An employee with this mindset may think he/she has contributed to the growth of the organization, therefore deserves everything he feels entitled to, not thinking of what the owner(s) may have gone through to put the business together and may still be going through.

On the other hand, it could be the employers, who may think because they are paying the staff, they are entitled to all the time and person of the staff without limitation. The 8 hour work time was scheduled in consideration of family time and further self-development. The prevailing work situation demands that the staff is at his or her desk,  set for the day’s work by 7am and close work by 6p.m, not considering travel time to and fro. This is quite unhealthy, selfish and ungodly.

Families are the foundation of a nation, as it is a family that spends quality time together that can value each other and their creator. That is when praying together as a family will have any value to them, as well help the children raised in that family to know and develop their faith in God our creator.  A family that spends quality time together can only do that when everyone can be home before the children go to sleep. The weekends are mostly busy these days, that it has become luxury for children to have access to their parents.

We have responsibility as parents to guide our children and help them develop good characters and attitudes. It is when we are available that we can help our children develop good personal traits which even when we do, life challenges could seaming affect. You could find out that one of your children has this sense of entitlement and would always want to claim ownership of what belongs to the parent without seeking permission or not bother about the feelings of the siblings. This attitude has to be nipped in the bud while you can.