Seven Parenting Mistakes That Can Ruin Parent-Child Relationship

If you are a parent, remember that change is the only constant. Your child is constantly growing, evolving, and learning under the present circumstances. A good parent-child relationship requires parents to be understanding. You can’t control every little thing that your child does. Instead, be a guide to them.

Understanding Parent-Child Relationship

A parent-child relationship focuses on the physical, social, and well-being of the child. Relation between parents and children is an exceptional bond. If handled well, it brings positivity to the family. It determines the child’s personality, behavior, and life choices as a whole. 

Here are some problems that can ruin a parent-child relationship

The relationship between a parent and child develops over time. Parents play a critical role in building a positive relationship with their kids. Parenting is also complex and sometimes we may unknowingly say or do things to ruin this relationship. 

1. You don’t manage your child’s tantrums well

When it comes to the relationship with parents, children want their emotions to be heard and acknowledged. If your child tends to throw tantrums very frequently, it may be because he/she is not feeling connected to you. 

Handling their tantrums can be frustrating especially when you’ve had a long day yourself. For example, instead of forcing your child to eat their greens, tell them how greens will make them stronger and taller. 

For a strong child-parent relationship, you need to validate their emotions and convince them to want to do things that are right for them.

2. Not letting your child express 

Children have a lot to say and a lot to ask. One of the main reasons why children have strained relationships with parents is because they are judged or not heard enough when expressing themselves. If you tell your child that something that happened is not a big deal or not to be upset about it, it will signal to them that their feelings don’t matter. 

Firstly, your child will stop sharing or opening up about their feelings to you, which will cause parents’ child relationship problems. Furthermore, it will also shape them into someone unable to manage their emotions. 

Many parents of kids may not have been able to openly express their feelings during their childhood, probably resulting in a toxic relationship with their parents. 

Acknowledge how your child is feeling and ask them how they can feel better. Help them be aware of their feelings instead of suppressing them. Let them find solutions, and know what type of personality they have.

3. You don’t express your feelings openly:
Express your feelings with your kids, as much they need to express their feelings to you too. Most parent-child relationship problems arise because of one-sided communication. 

You may not want to burden your child with adult problems, but you can share feelings that are appropriate for your child to understand. Maybe you are feeling sad or tired or need some time alone. Let them know about it politely. Children understand; They are far smarter than we think they are. 

4. You are not aware of their friend circle
Needless to admit, nobody likes to see their child fail. You always want to see them excel and be their best at anything they do. But to give them a red flag before they do anything is not a good idea. It can cause the child to have a toxic relationship with parents.

Remember that children are young and are just exploring themselves. You must give them free and safe space. One that gives them the room to do things they want to do. Additionally, if things do not turn favorable for them, you can show them alternatives.

If your kid does not fail or try, he/she will never develop that ambition to achieve something. So watch them fall, but let them try again and become strong individuals.

As a parent, you can assure them that you will always have their back.

5. You do not support the idea of failure

Needless to admit, nobody likes to see their child fail. You always want to see them excel and be their best at anything they do. But to give them a red flag before they do anything is not a good idea. It can cause the child to have a toxic relationship with parents.

Remember that children are young and are just exploring themselves. You must give them free and safe space. One that gives them the room to do things they want to do. In fact, if things do not turn favorable for them, you can show them alternatives.

If your kid does not fail or try, he/she will never develop that ambition to achieve something. So watch them fall, but let them try again and become strong individuals.

As a parent, you can assure them that you will always have their back

6.You do not take care of yourself enough

With a kid around, self-care is of foremost importance. Your kids tend to mirror your habits and look up to you as a role model. 

Practice healthy habits around your children so that they make it a part of their lifestyle. You can talk about how you tackle your mental and physical health. For instance, tell them you practice meditation to keep yourself fresh all day. You can do it with them, so they get inclined to healthy habits at a young age.

7. You hold onto argument

It is common for parents and kids to argue. But for both of them to hold onto these arguments are signs of a bad parent-child relationship. A common trait as parents is to strive to keep the child safe and healthy. Parents also want to exercise control over their activities. 

If arguments keep lingering, there is a lack of trust and communication that is not healthy for either. Talk it out and try to come to a common point.

How To Maintain A Healthy Parent-Child Relationship

It’s neither too late to mend your relationship with your child, since they are still very young, nor is it too difficult.

You can resolve it by making a few changes to your parenting style:

1. Trust your kids.
2. Show them that you are listening to them.
3. Compliment them often when they do something good.
4. Accept them for who they are.
5. Spend more time with them.
6. Do little activities together.
7. Give them your full attention when you are spending time with them.

We understand that parenting is not an easy task but it’s worth it! Besides the tips we’ve shared, show children affection, hug them often, or as long as they allow you to, and last but not the least love them without judging them.