re: Fine line between spoiling your child and giving them a good life

Don't give them something that most kids they interact with have. For me we never had cable growing up, they probably could have afforded it but didn't want it no matter how many times I asked. Most of my peers had it and I got to hear stories of MTV and movies they watched while I had just 4 channels at home. I did not like it but it wasn't big enough that I hated my parents for it, and in hindsight I consider that lack of something that everyone else character building.

I'm honestly not sure what the equivalent today would be. You can't not give them a phone, that's too big, maybe ban them from a specific social media service?

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For me we never had cable growing up,

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We didnt have TV. I hated it as a kid, but think its one of the best things a parent could do for their kids.

If you are satisfied how you were raised, then raise him that way with modifications where needed. For example, when raising mine, esp the last, I looked at things I wasn’t comfortable with and made certain my last offspring was very good at it. (Public speaking). From as soon as she could speak. I raised most of mine pretty lenient because they were just good, happy kids. There was no need to be strict. They wanted to fish , hunt, or camp out rather than drive around.

I think it’s pretty easy to discern when a kid really wants something or when they just see something and cry about wanting it. The lines probably between those things.

Give your son what he wants, but teach him to work. My son lived a good life, but I explained to him all along that everything he had is because his mom and dad work hard for it.

I don’t know your situation, but if you’re an outdoorsman, it’s easy to teach them a good work ethic. If you sit at home and play video games, not so much.