Parents Should Never, Ever Do These 10 Things For Their Child

Jul 31, 2018

Parents should be there for their children. Parents should help their children. However, where is the line? When is help too much help? Here are 10 things parents shouldn’t be doing for their children.

When someone speaks to your child, it is easy to answer for them. They may be shy or distracted and you find it easier to just speak for them. However, you won’t be there at every second of their lives. They will eventually have to speak for themselves. They might as well start while you are there supporting them.

You love your child. You want to be their favorite person in the world. However, this is not your only duty. You need to do what is best for them whether they like it or not. You are their guide, not their friend. Be there for them, but know when to give them space to live their own life.

When your child cries for something, it seems easy just to give it to them. You want to make them happy. You want to make them stop crying. However, many times this is not what they need. Try finding a balance or simply putting your foot down if there isn’t one. Stay strong!

Helping your child is something you should do as a parent. However, there should be a limit. Eventually, they need to learn to do things for themselves. Teach them how to do something, but then step back and let them do it for themselves. This may take longer, but it will be much more benefitial in the long run. You don’t want to have to do everything for them forever!

It is okay to express to your child what you like, but don’t push your choices onto them. Let them choose for themselves if they like the same things. Let them make their own movie choices, their own music choices, and their own likes.

Eventually, your child will begin to have their own money. Don’t keep track of it. Don’t check their pockets or their piggy banks. Instead, teach them how to track their own money. Teach them how to be financially responsible for their own money.

Don’t sign them up for every activity under the sun. Don’t choose what they will do. Instead, pay attention to what they like to do. Do they like to color? Maybe sign them up for an art class. Do they love listening to music? Sign them up for a music lesson. Pay attention to what they like.

When your child has a major accomplishment such as taking their first steps or winning their soccer game, it brings you joy and pride. However, don’t brag about them like you are sharing their accomplishment with them. Instead, congratulate your child. Let them brag about themselves. Make sure they know it is their accomplishment and their’s alone.

People will ask you what they should get your child for their birthday or Christmas. But don’t answer for them. Ask your child what they want if they aren’t there or let your child answer for themself if they are there. Let them choose their own presents.

As your child gets older, they will become more private. They won’t tell you every little thing that happened throughout their day. While this will probably make you want to ask them a million questions, restrain yourself. If you let them come to you, they will be more likely to give you more information on their own.

Have you come across any secret parenting tips you would like to share with others? We would love to hear them! Pass this on to a parent who would agree with this list.