7 Common Parenting Mistakes

Many parents are insecure and anxious about making parenting mistakes. This is because they do not know how to best guide and discipline their children.

The most common questions include: “How do I get my child to listen to me?” “Am I too strict, too commanding, or too indulgent?”

Common mistakes in parenting

It can be helpful to know the mistakes not to make in parenting. This precaution will ensure that you do not cause emotional harm to your child. Remember that children cannot grow up without guidance or role models.

1. Inequality in Authority

One of the biggest mistakes occurs when parents don’t have the same rules for their children. When kids have conflicting rules, they don’t know which to follow. As a result, they feel disoriented, for no apparent reason.

It is better to tell your child that you are going to discuss it and that he will get an answer later if you and your partner are not on the same page. This also makes it seem like the family is a solid and reliable unit.

2. A lack of continuity in parenting

Parents should not let their state of mind influence their way of disciplining. In other words, you should not allow your child to behave in a certain way depending on whether you are feeling happy, angry or tired. 

When this does happen, children get mixed signals. Parents should remember that raising children requires them to remain fair and rational at all times.

3. Using derogatory statements against your children

Unfortunately, it often happens that parents talk disrespectfully to their children. For example, they say, “I knew you were going to break that,” or “You always disappoint me.”

Adults should try to stay in their roles and control their attitudes, even when a child challenges them.

4. Not keeping promises

Many children feel discouraged and disappointed when their parents promise their gifts but don’t keep the promise. For example, parents can use it as a reward to encourage their children to do well in school, do homework, or simply behave well.

However, when the child has achieved this goal, the parents do not always give the reward. Adults should always be realistic when offering a reward and of course keep their promises.

5. Not having clear boundaries in parenting

A common mistake in parenting is not having clear guidelines. As a result, parents do not have consistent and clear boundaries.

When children are still small, it is easier to solve problems. However, this authority is lost when the children enter puberty.

This makes it harder for them not to cross the border. Make clear rules that your children can follow.

6. Befriending children

You should not treat your children as friends because you should remain in your role as parents. Children need the authoritarian figure of a parent. Of course, parents must treat their children fairly and there must be mutual trust.

7. Setting Bad Examples

In general, parents don’t want their children to do bad things. However, it sometimes happens that children see that their parents do these ‘bad things’ themselves.

Inconsistency is harmful and counterproductive in children. When you set a bad example to your child, the authoritarian figure and moral strength is also diminished.

Tips for raising children

Finally, we’ll give you some tips that you can use so that you don’t make these common parenting mistakes.

• Set clear and reasonable boundaries.
• Children need structure, order and fixed rules.

• Let children experience the consequences of their actions. This is conducive to their autonomy and independence.
• Give them household chores depending on their age.
• Don’t allow annoying behavior that leads to bad habits in the future.

In short, frequent mistakes in parenting can lead to bad behavior that continues into adulthood. By identifying these common mistakes, you can avoid them and give your children a better education.