Parenting Mistakes to Avoid
If you have children, you know by now that there is no parenting book in this world that can ever prepare you for what parenthood has in store for you. Being a parent is challenging at times, yet rewarding as well. There may be times when you feel totally unsure of yourself. Just know that you are the best person for this job.
We all make our fair share of mistakes as adults. When it comes to our children, though, there are some mistakes we’re better off never having made. Here are a few parenting mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
Mistake #1: Not listening to your child
When your child tells you something, never take it lightly. Even though they’re just a kid, your child has a tender heart. Be available to listen to your child whenever they come to you. Whether it’s for advice, or just a childish tale of woe, be available to your child. If they learn they can trust you at an early age, they will be much more likely to come to you with bigger, more “real” problems when they get older.
Mistake #2: Keeping your kids too busy
Another common parenting mistake is keeping your kids so busy that they don’t have time to be kids. It’s great to have them involved in sports or activities, but is it really necessary for them to have a full calendar? Let your kids be kids.
Mistake #3: Letting your child watch too much TV
With so many households having two working parents, it’s easy to just let your kids babysit themselves with TV. There are growing numbers of work-at-home parents today, too, who all too often use TV to pacify children while they work or hold teleconferences. While some TV might be okay, it’s not a practical idea to allow your child to sit in front of a TV for hours on end.
Mistake #4: Not encouraging your child to read
Reading is the gateway to imagination. You should constantly encourage your child to read. Public libraries usually hold summer reading programs for children. Encourage your child to sign up for such programs, then make sure they are able to visit the library often for new books.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2008 Hope Wilbanks
