BOOM May2015 | Page 42

PA R E N T I N G 10 Worst Parenting Mistakes P arenting doesn’t follow set rules or come with a handbook. It's quite like an on-the-job training. You learn as you start living the role of being a parent. In the course, all parents, though wanting only the best for the kids, end up making certain mistakes.These mistakes not just affect their parenting but even hamper a child’s growth. Therefore, it is very important that parents stay aware of the worse parenting mistakes they make?often unintentionally. Let’s understand these mistakes in detail, have a look: 1. Doing too much for kids This is one mistake we will find being done by almost all parents. In the quest of making life easy for the kids, parents tend to overdo things. They fulfil all their demands, come up with instant solutions for all of their problems, and do things on their behalf without allowing them to take a stand of their own. This apparently makes your child dependent on you and never lets his inner confidence build up. It’s always better to let kids manage their things and you act as a guide. 2. Forcing on expectations As parents, you will certainly have some expectations from your kids. But that doesn’t mean you force your expectations and choices on them. If you keep very high expectations, kids will always be under the pressure of performing up to that level of expectation and this will instil a fear of failure in them. It would be good if you can keep the level of expectations a bit low and let kids make their own choices.3. Not listening enoughAs parents, you must ensure to listen to your child’s concern. If you don’t give him an ear, he will never be able to connect with you emotionally. Spending quality time and listening to his thoughts and ideas will help you understand your child in a better way. 4. Comparing & criticizing Comparing the skills and qualities of your child with oth- er kids will never inspire him. In fact, it will only demean and demoralize him. Also, criticism too is only good if done in a constructive way. You should refrain from comparing or criticizing your kids in a way that can hurt his emotions. 5. Not communicating well Communication is the key to building successful relati