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Raising your kids well refers to providing your children with a nurturing environment that will enable them to grow and develop into happy, healthy, and responsible adults. As parents or caregivers, it is your responsibility to create this environment for you children.
According to Amen Clinics, it is common for parents to focus on what they need to do in order to raise healthy kids, but they often overlook what they should NOT do.
VeryWell Family suggest these five things you shouldn’t do to your children:
- Physical abuse or violence: Children can sometimes throw you over the edge and all you may want to do is give them a smack. However, during these times of frustration it is important to stay calm and not do something you will later regret. According to Parent Circle, consistent physical punishment can lead to psychiatric issues like anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse or dependence, and externalising. Physical violence is never acceptable, and it can cause long-term physical and emotional harm to children.
- Emotional abuse: Any form of emotional abuse such as belittling, ridiculing, or humiliating a child can have long-lasting negative impacts on their self-esteem and emotional well-being. According to research, the consequences of child emotional abuse can be severe and often persist well into adulthood. A child often believes that they are responsible for the abuse and that it means they are unloved, unlovable, and unwanted.
- Neglect: Your children are your responsibility. Failure to provide children with basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care can lead to severe physical and mental health problems. Should you not be able to provide for your children, reach out for help but neglecting them should never be an option.
- Overprotection: It is natural for you to want to stay on top of your children’s safety. However, overprotecting children can prevent them from developing crucial life skills, confidence, and independence.
- Comparing children: It is important to note that each child is different. The one child might be very sporty the other one might be into academics and books. Treat your children as individuals as comparing children to their siblings or other kids can cause feelings of jealousy, resentment, and inadequacy.
Also see: How to teach your child to be more responsible
