View from a child psychologist
According to psychiatrist Paul Bohn, there are some mistakes that most parents make which should absolutely be avoided. Here are just 5.
- Shielding children from adversity - unfavorable situations and misfortune are part of life. Many parents try too hard to shield their children from all adversity. In doing so, they do not allow their children to learn how to face and deal with adverse circumstances and deny them the opportunity to build in themselves confidence and strength of character.
- Not letting actions speak louder than words - this old adage is very true. Children will pay more attention to what you do than what you say, so set the right example for your children by walking the talk.
- Trying to mold your child into something they are not - your child is not you. They are uniquely individual, so don't force your own dreams on them. Guide them safely toward their own dreams.
- Parents cannot be their child's best friend - best friends should remain among children your own child's age. Parents who try to be their child's best friend out of fear their children otherwise will not like them are making a big parenting mistake.
- No child is perfect - many parents don't want to hear anything negative about their children. But the truth is that children are going to make mistakes. Psychologists also point out that children are resilient and will quickly learn from their mistakes, and as one psychologist stated, "it's a lot easier to intervene effectively when they're young instead of years later."
To learn more, visit www.huffingtonpost.com/kari-kubiszyn-kampakis/10-common-mistakes-parents-today-make-me-included_b_4753451.html
