Comparing your child to others
Comparing your child to their peers is a common mistake many parents make. According to psychologists, this should be avoided as it can diminish your child’s self-worth and sense of value. Moreover, constant comparisons can create a distance between parents and their children, leading to a lack of trust and confidence in communication.
Giving in to your child’s every demand
Modern parenting often involves excessive indulgence. Some parents can’t bear to hear their child cry, and so they immediately give in to their demands. Even if they try to discipline their child, it’s often half-hearted and eventually, the child’s wishes are fulfilled.
This approach only teaches children to be manipulative and dependent on others. As they grow up and enter society, they will not have anyone to rely on, leading to fear and anxiety. Additionally, they may become selfish, expecting to be the center of attention and unable to cope with not getting their way.
Neglecting your child’s emotions
When your child comes to you with a problem that affects their self-esteem, it’s crucial to listen and understand the root cause of their sadness. This not only helps you gain insight into potential issues but also empowers your child to find effective solutions.
Don’t dismiss their feelings or assume they are attention-seeking. Doing so may cause your child to retreat into themselves, ignore their negative emotions, and eventually become shy and unable to deal with their problems.
Scolding your child in front of others
Scolding your child in public can be detrimental to their self-esteem. Your child’s heart is fragile, and constant reprimanding, especially in front of family and friends, can be hurtful. They may even be too afraid to explain their actions due to your angry demeanor.
Constantly pointing out their flaws in front of others makes them feel disrespected and insignificant within the family. This can lead to your child distancing themselves from you. They may also hesitate to share their problems, feeling that they are not important enough to bother you with.
Controlling your child’s behavior
Overcontrolling parenting can hinder your child’s ability to self-regulate their emotions. When children are overly sheltered, they struggle with social adaptation, making friends, and understanding appropriate behavior.
Therefore, when you see your child handling situations independently, allow them to do so. This empowers them and helps them develop essential life skills.
Overpraising your child
While it’s important to praise your child for their achievements, excessive praise can lead to parental complacency and a disregard for any negative behaviors. This may teach your child to cheat, exaggerate, and avoid facing challenges head-on.
Not trusting your child
Parents can be their child’s harshest critics. Sometimes, children may not meet the standards set by their parents, leading to a loss of trust. However, if parents remain optimistic, view the situation from different angles, and patiently maintain their trust, things can improve.
Constantly telling your child they are bad or unintelligent will only make them believe it. Instead, offer encouragement and place your trust in them. Your belief in your child will boost their self-confidence.
Constantly complaining about your child
Some parents have a habit of constantly complaining about their children. Statements like “Why can’t you do anything right?”, “You’re annoying me,” or “When will you stop doing that stupid thing?” are common in their daily interactions. However, these complaints not only fail to help but also cause significant psychological harm.
According to psychologists, this behavior indicates that parents are not trying to understand the root cause of the issue but are instead focused on blaming the child. Instead, parents should set clear expectations and boundaries, and if the child is facing psychological or behavioral problems, offer support and guidance to help them overcome these challenges.
Frequently scolding your child
Many parents believe that scolding is an effective way to stop their child from doing something wrong. However, research suggests that this approach can make things worse. Children who are frequently scolded tend to become withdrawn, sensitive, and shy when interacting with others.