PARENTING MISTAKES PARENTS SHOULD AVOID

It’s no secret that parenting is one of the most difficult jobs in the world and no matter how conscientious and careful a parent may be, they’re bound to make mistakes. While there is no set rules for proper parenting, there are certain behaviours that parents should strive to avoid.

Learning to overcome these 4 common parenting mistakes will get you a long way towards being a more effective parent.

1. Refusing to listen to your children’s problems and not giving them emotional support

Just like adults, children also face various problems in life. They could be facing problems at school with friends or with their studies. Either way, parents should learn to listen to them, so they won’t feel isolated and help them seek alternative solutions to their problems. Similarly, when your children achieve something, be it big or small, parents should acknowledge and praise them. Celebrate every win with them – all they want is to make you proud.

2. Constantly criticising and judging your children

Constructive criticism is useful because they can learn and make positive improvements on themselves. However, endless criticism and judgment on the other hand, may lead to low self-esteem. They may lose confidence if their parents, who are supposed to be their supporters, continue to constantly criticise them without any positive feedback. This can also result in children having a low level of empathy and compassion as they grow older.

3. Constantly comparing your children to others, such as friends or cousins, and showing favouritism among siblings

It is one of the worst mistakes any parent can make and it can leave a permanent mark on your children’s personalities. Not only will it affect their self-confidence, which will impact their performance in school but it will also increase their anxiety and stress levels. It certainly will not instil a positive competitive spirit in your children!

4. Spending inadequate quality time with your children

It is essential to spend at least 10 to 20 minutes of your quality time with your children every day. Parents should take this time to give your children undivided attention, rather than sitting in front of the TV or being busy with work. Do not constantly be on your phone when you are spending time with your children. They will certainly not remember the most recent phone or gadget you gave them but, how they felt when they were with you.

We all know that parenting is fraught with difficulties and challenges but it comes with plenty of rewards and beautiful moments too. Just keep a note of these common parenting mistakes and you will be fine. We could all use some parenting advice in our lives.

We hope this parenting guide can come in handy one day!