Common Behaviours That Mess Up Parent-Child Relationships

Becoming a parent can be the most challenging yet most rewarding aspect of your life. Without realizing it, parents behaviour can unknowingly harm and affect their children's behaviour.
Children copy everything they see happening around them. The things that may seem harmless are in fact damaging that all important parent-child relationship.
Let's take a look at the most common mistakes parents should avoid.

Comparing your children to other children

Comparing a child to a friend or sibling can damage self-esteem and suppress their achievements. Every child is different and should be positively encouraged regardless of their level abilities.

Slow down

Life with children can be very busy and hectic at times. Constantly feeling panicked and rushed all the time can create unnecessary stress and anxiety, not only for parents but also for children.

Prioritise your time and plan ahead so that you don't need to rush. Delegate tasks to others around you or postpone things for when the children are not around.

Constant Criticism

Constantly criticising your child can lower their self-esteem and make them feel like you are disappointed in them. Everybody wants their child to become behave well but you should focus on guiding them in the right direction and not criticising them. Teach them what they should be doing instead, and concentrate more on what they are doing correctly.

Do not eat as a family

With lives becoming increasingly busier, family mealtimes can sometimes be rushed and overlooked. Research has shown that children who sit down with their family at mealtimes have better attention and behaviour skills, and have a healthier diet. It's a great chance for children to talk about the good and bad parts of their day, and positively strengthens the communication between the child, parent and family.

Showing anger towards your child

Everybody gets angry from time to time, but taking that anger out on your child is very damaging. Raising your voice shows a child how to deal with anger in the wrong way and instills fear instead of love.

Inducing a feeling of panic and fear

In some situations a child may feel fearful of their parent's reaction. To reduce the feeling of panic and fear, approach every situation calmly and positivity so that the child understands what they have done wrong and how to deal with the situation. Work together so that they know its okay to do things wrong sometimes and not have a fear of failing or disappointing people. Help them to understand what they can do next time.

Prioritizing other things

There are always things that need your attention during the day; from work, phone calls, the housework, or your job. Always make time for your child, away from all other distractions. Spend quality time together doing something that they enjoy.

Not listening when your child is talking to you

If your child is trying to talk to you and you are distracted, it can be disheartening for the child. Take the time to listen to what they are saying, and give them your full attention. Talking about subjects that your child is interested in is a great way of strengthening your relationship and helps them to feel comfortable about talking to you in the future.

Self-Criticism

If you constantly criticise yourself or put yourself down in front of your child, they will pick up on the negativity and think this is the normal way to think about themselves.
Learn to love yourself so your child will do the same. If your child has negative feelings about themselves, talk through their feelings and offer reassurance.

Remember, you are a role model for your child and everything you do is mirrored by your child, sometimes without you even realising it!

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