The moment a child is born, parents get an invisible boon to tie all their unrealistic expectations, ambitions, decisions, and rules to their newborn who just arrived. Is it hard for parents to only think and not overthink? Because in the course, the child grows up taking things in their stride and sometimes reacting hard to the parents’ surprise. That’s when most parents pause to think! “Did we go wrong somewhere”? Or “Why did she talk to me like that”? Quite natural in parenting, but you can avoid some mistakes that make life harder for your child.
- Making Decisions for Children & Doing Everything for Them
If you are mindful that your child will grow up and may no longer need your support to make a decision, it would be better to respect and value their ability to do things within their capacity from a young age. Forbid doing everything for them, as it may bring up a less confident child. Let them try for themselves first, and step in only when they need help.
2. Being Overprotective
Invariably, quite a common characteristic of parents these days. Over-protection goes to the extent where children are not let fail, which can be disastrous in the long run. The world outside school and home are prone to less protection and more trouble.
3. Lacking Boundaries, Rules, and Structure.
What most parents do in the name of Freedom for their children is not create boundaries and rules, which are a means of self-discipline. When parents tell children of the dos and don’ts from a tender age, they become more committed to their parents and responsible and not ardent rule-breakers.
4. Making Your Child The Center Of Your Universe
Babies won’t remain babies forever. They grow, get wings to fly, and ‘Off they go’ searching for their pastures. When you make your child the center of your universe, you neither let them breathe nor lead a life of yours. Make it a win-win situation by allowing your child to explore everything under your guidance and learn to be grateful for molding them into good human beings.
5. Fostering Unrealistic Expectations
When parents have unrealistic expectations about their children, it can be taxing for both the parent and the child. After a certain point, the child would find it suffocating because their exposure to the world can make them opinionated. If they have a different perspective, learn to accept it, be proud that they are observant of their surroundings, and correct them only when they go wrong. It’s indeed a great way to maintain a healthy relationship.