A lot of parents look to their fellow parents or their elders for parenting advice. However, in this day and age, how can you be sure that the advice that they’re sharing really is sound advice?
Here are some surprising parenting myths that most parents still believe:
1. Your kids always have to be happy
Image source: iStock
While keeping your kids happy is indeed important, teaching your child feel the full range of emotions is much more important as it makes for a richer and less monochromatic life.
There’s also the added benefit that your child will better know how to handle real-life situations when they feel sad, angry, frustrated, etc.
Keep your kids happy, but don’t make it your only priority.
2. Always saying yes to your kids
Giving your kids limits makes them understand the consequences of their actions as well as gives them a taste of how things happen in the real world.
Don’t let other people judge you just because you didn’t let your child join the field trip because he did something wrong. Setting limits is a very important thing that you should teach your kids early on, and it’s important that your kids know how to both follow and respect the rules.
3. It’s all about having a good strategy
Image source: iStock
While having a parenting strategy can be helpful, but it doesn’t really account for a lot of the situations and problems that parents can find themselves in.
Instead of focusing on strategies, you should focus on having a specific mindset when it comes to being a parent. Even if you follow all the best parenting books in the world, without having the proper mindset, it won’t really be effective since your heart isn’t in it.
Be self-confident, don’t second guess yourself. If you’re making a decision for your family, be firm about it. Your kids will pick up on your confidence and they’ll take it with them for the rest of their lives. It’s all about having a proper mindset.
4. Never argue in front of your kids
Parents make mistakes, that’s why you shouldn’t always hide your arguments from your kids. Kids might feel sad or frustrated that they see their parents fighting, but if you and your partner resolve it in a healthy and respectful way, then it would teach your kids how to better handle conflict in their lives.
However, it’s important to draw the line for some arguments. You should never hurt your partner, nor should you say anything that can hurt them emotionally. You also shouldn’t argue about your kids in front of them as it will only create negative feelings in your kids.
Always be respectful and loving; healthy arguments are a part of any relationship.
5. Getting mad at your kids makes you a bad parent
Image source: iStock
Let’s face it, you’ll eventually get frustrated and angry at your kids. And chances are, you’ve been angry at your kids before. However, being angry at your kids doesn’t necessarily make you a bad parent.
Getting mad at your kids simply means that you’re human. “Losing it” when it comes to your kids is part of being a parent. If you accidentally shout at your kid because they messed up their room, or they broke a precious vase, it’s fine. Just make sure to talk to your kid, apologise for your actions, and give them a hug after.
Saying sorry to your kids can be hard, but they’ll appreciate you for it since you’ll be teaching them a valuable lesson in humility.
Sources: Psych Central, Parenting
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