If you are a parent, and you find that you are guilty of many of the things that are listed on here.
Granted that we are all unique in our own ways, we are bound to take very different approaches to how we go about life including parenting. Not all of us are going to have the same parenting styles because all kids are going to be different and we have to be able to adapt to them as well. And not to say that there are certain parenting styles that are always going to be better than another there is a proper place for various parenting styles and we always have to be able to adjust. Some parents choose to take a very strict and overbearing approach to parenting and it seems to work for them. There are also those who take a very liberal approach to parenting wherein they empower their kids to make their own choices and live with their mistakes and it might work for them too. Again, not one style is necessary better than the other; it’s all a matter of being able to apply the right parenting style in the appropriate situation. Regardless of the various approaches or the methodologies involved in parenting, all great parents will always want the best for their children.
However, there are just some traits that some parents carry with them as they nurture their children that are contradictory to their purpose. Not all parents are going to be perfect; all of us are going to be prone to mistakes every now and then. But there are just certain parenting habits that are destroying a child’s life experience and are detrimental to a child’s development as a human being. These destructive parenting habits can be potentially dangerous in the formation of a child’s values and personality, and that’s why all parents must always make it a point to avoid these habits as much as possible if they want what is best for their children.
If you are a parent, and you find that you are guilty of many of the things that are listed on here, then you need to make the necessary adjustments to form a better life for your child. Here are some subtle signs that you are a toxic parent and you really need to change.
1. FAILING TO CREATE A SECURE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
If your child is constantly feeling like they are in danger, then you are failing as a parent. First and foremost, the family should always be the child’s safehouse. A child should always be able to feel safe and secure in the family even when the world is such a scary and intimidating place to live in.
2. CRITICIZING THEIR CHILD’S EVERY MOVE
Your child is going to screw up. They are inexperienced human beings who don’t know any better. And when that happens, you need to step in and make sure that they learn from their mistakes. But that doesn’t mean that you have to take a negative approach to teaching them. Be more constructive and supportive in your criticism. Remember that a child’s ego is fragile.
3. MAKING HURTFUL JOKES
You shouldn’t be making your child the butt of a hurtful joke. It’s okay to promote an environment of humor and fun in the family, but it should never be at the expense of the feelings of your child. Remember that children don’t typically appreciate humor in the same manner as adults, and you always have to be conscious of that fact.
5. BLAMING IT ALL ON THE KID
Stop blaming your child for everything. Accept some responsibility as the child’s adult. Whenever your child makes a mistake, it’s not always going to be their fault. Remember that they don’t know any better and you’re the one who is supposed to be leading them to righteousness. Own up to any shortcoming on your part.
6. NOT ALLOWING TO EXPRESS THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS
You should always make sure that your child feels free to express whatever they are thinking or feeling at any given moment to you. You should never make your child feel like they have to censor themselves with you. A child’s mind is always rapidly moving and you can’t expect them to keep everything bottled up inside.
7. BEING SCARY AND FRIGHTENING
Parenting out of fear is never a good idea. Remember that it’s perfectly possible for you to discipline your child without making them feel afraid of you. You want your child to love and respect you, not fear you.
8. THINKING ONLY ABOUT THEMSELVES
Stop being so selfish. As a parent, it would be downright foolish of you to only think about yourself even though you have a child to worry about. You brought that little human being into this world and you can’t always be acting out of selfishness anymore.
9. WANTING TO FULFILL THEIR DREAMS THROUGH THEIR KID
Don’t impose your own failed dreams and ambitions unto your kid. Allow them the space and freedom to live their own life and make their own choices. Don’t force them to do anything they’re not comfortable with doing because they will eventually grow to resent you for it.
Talk to me
Are you guilty of any of the above? Talk to me in the comments below!
