15 Interesting Ways People Absolutely Ruin Their Children
Disclaimer: When you buy from links on our site, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Learn more
Parenting is a complex journey, and even with the best intentions, certain actions can have unintended consequences on a child’s development. Today, we explore the common mistakes that well-meaning parents may inadvertently make. From overprotectiveness to unrealistic expectations, join us as we shed light on the behaviors that can potentially impact a child’s well-being. Let’s delve into the complexities of parenthood and gain insights into raising resilient, well-adjusted individuals. Are you ready to explore the challenges of parenting and discover ways to foster positive growth for our children?
Overprotectiveness
To begin, someone shared, “Doing everything for your kid and not trusting your kids to do things on their own. I love the TikTok trend of parents letting their small kids pour their own glass. They spill everywhere, but they will have so much more confidence in themselves down the line.”
From Blah to Bliss: Transform Your Life!
Are you tired of putting your goals on the back burner? Imagine taking decisive steps that not only help your dreams come true but also allow you to be the incredible mom you aspire to be. Your first step towards refocusing on your goals starts here. Let’s dive in!
Get your FREE 5-Day Email Launchpad – just 5 minutes a day!
Lack of Boundaries
One user said, “Teasing them about crushes or interactions with kids of the opposite gender.”
Another user added, “Using them as a therapist, especially when one or both of them are abusive.”
Siblings Issues
One simple comment was, “Playing favorites.”
A second comment was, “Parents who make their older children raise the younger ones. Parentification is not healthy for siblings and often leads to resentment and behavioral issues that follow them into adulthood.”
Emotional Neglect
A person shared, “By staying in unhealthy relationships supposedly for the kids when it makes kids miserable and warp their idea of love.”
Another person added, “Being emotionally unavailable.”
Excessive Criticism
A most-liked comment was. “Insulting/putting down a kid is NOT constructive. Kids need positivity and kindness.”
A second comment was. “Constantly talking about weight and criticizing themselves. Your kid will pick up on that, and the outcome won’t be good. Yes, exercise is healthy, but it should be about being strong and healthy, not losing weight. (Thanks, Mom, for contributing to my body image issues.)”
Helicopter Parenting
A user commented, “Helicopter parenting. My friend who’s 30 (yup!) had her door’s locks removed, isn’t allowed to go out unless the mom approves, has a curfew of 11 pm or earlier, is not allowed to sleep over at any friend’s house, always has to have a bodyguard with her, not allowed to ride in anyone else’s car except the one her bodyguard drives, and so on and so forth!”
Inconsistent Discipline
One comment was. “My parents were abused as kids and decided to parent the exact opposite way. This led to them being totally hands-off, extremely lenient parents, which led to my sibling abusing me because consequences didn’t exist. I’m still in therapy for it.”
Setting Unrealistic Expectations
Someone replied, “Forcing them to be mini-parents to their siblings.”
Someone else added, “Daydreaming of what you expect your kid to do, say, grow up to be, etc.”
Ignoring or Dismissing Emotions
A popular comment was, “Never apologizing not just to the kids, but never showing the kids how to apologize to a friend or your partner. My mom would blow up at any of us and then just ignore it and pretend it didn’t happen. If anyone brought it up again, we would be accused of holding a grudge. You need to teach your kids that it’s OK to make mistakes and to apologize sincerely.”
Another comment was, “Invalidating their kid’s feelings. “Get over it,” “Don’t be so sensitive,” etc.”
Failure to Teach Essential Life Skills
One user shared, “I hate when I see parents make their kids really dependent on them. For example, always cooking, cleaning up after them, doing laundry, won’t let the kid get a job – it just hurts your children in the end, and when they want to gain independence, they aren’t able to. I’ve known some parents who never taught their children to cook basic food or do laundry.”
Comparing Children to Others
A response was. “Comparing you with other kids.”
Another response was “Telling them they are more special than other kids.”
A third response was, “Comparing them to other kids and asking ‘why are u not like that?’ Also putting their expectations on the kid and refusing to let them be themselves.”
Overindulgence and Spoiling
One simple comment was, “Not know how to say no.”
A second comment was. “Doing everything for children and spoiling them. It may be fun for a child, but when you grow up in that environment, you are totally unprepared for adulthood. House chores need to be shared, or you grow up to be a lazy 20 year old who never did the laundry. I will have to google that up because, at this point, I’m too embarrassed to ask.”
Pushing Personal Ambitions onto Children
One user replied, “Parents trying to live their own lives and dreams through their child.”
Another user added, “Similarly, deciding who you want your child to be (what their personality will be like, what their interests will be, what career they’ll pursue, etc.), and then forcing your child to fit that mold whether it’s right for them or not.”
Lack of Communication
A comment was, “Not bothering to listen when the kid comes to them with a problem and then proceed to complain about the kid being emotionally distant.”
Disregarding Mental Health Needs
A person said, “Ignore obvious symptoms of mental health.”
Another person added, “Mental health is a real issue, and parents brushing it off and ignoring it because they don’t think it can happen to their child is dangerous. ”
Being a Poor Role Model
Finally, a user replied, “Parents making negative comments about their own physical appearance. Don’t teach your kids to hate their bodies. Love yourself so your kids learn how to love themselves.”
Source: Reddit
15 Deadbeat Parents Who Tried To Reconnect with Their Child After Fame
15 Deadbeat Parents Who Tried To Reconnect with Their Child After Fame Get ready for an eye-opening ride as we explore the world of “Celebs Whose Estranged Parents Reached Out to Them Only When They Got Famous.” Fame can bring both joy and challenges and for some celebrities, it means reconnecting with long-lost parents seeking a piece of the spotlight.
15 Unpopular Celebs Whose Truths Redeemed Their Reputation
15 Unpopular Celebs Whose Truths Redeemed Their Reputation – In the world of fame and fortune, narratives can sometimes be deceiving, leaving us with characters labeled as “the bad guy” without the full story. Today, we embark on a riveting journey, exploring the question: “Celebs who were considered ‘the bad guy’ until the truth came out years later.
5 Stars People Are Embarrassed To Say They Find Attractive
15 Stars People Are Embarrassed To Say They Find Attractive – In the glittering world of celebrities, admiration, and attraction often take center stage. Today, we explore the intriguing question: “Celebrities you are embarrassed to admit you find attractive?” Let’s embark on a journey where we set aside conventional beauty standards and celebrate the allure of unique charms.
10 Famous Celebrities Who Overcame UnImaginable Hard Childhoods
10 Famous Celebrities Who Overcame UnImaginable Hard Childhoods – Discover the stories of 15 well-known celebrities who managed to rise above unimaginably difficult childhoods. Despite facing tremendous hardships in their early lives, these remarkable individuals have gone on to achieve incredible success in their careers and become symbols of hope and resilience.
15 Irritating Things Narcissistic Mothers Do That People Can’t Stand
Let’s talk about the not-so-nice things narcissistic mothers say to their children. Yeah, it’s not your usual heartwarming topic, but it’s time to shed some light on this tricky situation. Brace yourself for candid stories and perspectives shared by contributors as we explore the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with a narcissistic parent 15 Irritating Things Narcissistic Mothers Do That People Can’t Stand
As a full-time working mom of three, I know what it’s like to feel like life is out of balance and out of control.
While I don’t have it all figured out, I am committed to sharing helpful tips and tricks with other mommas who are ready to break free from negativity, ditch mom guilt, & finally, live life on their own terms.