Every parent out there has experienced their child misbehaving without even knowing why it happens. Every time you don’t react to this kind of behavior you encourage your child to repeat it.
Mrs. Emma Jenner, who hosts a show on TLC “Take Home Nanny” reveals which mistakes made by parents can have consequences on their child’s behavior.
Mrs. Jenner emphasizes the importance of challenging your child without providing too much help. It is necessary for a parent to demand and expect more from a child in order to get the child to do stuff on its own.
- Being afraid of your child
If your child asks for a different cup rather than the usual one and you immediately start looking for another one, you are making a huge mistake. If you are afraid of your child crying just leave it and go in another room. Fulfilling every wish does not make you a better parent because you are sending a bad message. Your child should not be in command of you and you have to let it know that at all times.
- Don’t make excuses such as “That is how children are”
Never justify the public outbursts and misbehavior using this phrase. Also, raise your expectations because your child is capable to do much more than you think. Don’t be surprised when you see that your child can do things that you haven’t taught him/her yet, without you ordering to do so.
- Not letting other people scold them
Nowadays teachers are no longer allowed to scold misbehaving children, which is very wrong. Teachers are our ears and eyes when our kids are not around, and getting angry at them when they tell you that your child does something wrong isn’t doing anyone a favor. Doing this encourages the child to continue with that behavior, which will only get worse over time.
- Putting children first
It is completely naturally to be overprotective of your children. But according to Emma, you should never project your own needs, obligation and mental health to your children in order to satisfy all of their needs other than the most necessary such as providing food, clothing, nursing etc. Making all of your child’s wishes come true will drain your mental and physical health and it will show the children that they are in fact in charge. Having some alone time when possible will not harm your child and neither will saying NO from time to time.
- Letting your kid take advantage of the shortcuts
Nowadays, to avoid misbehavior, many parents take shortcuts instead of teaching the child to be patient. Whether it comes to waiting for an appointment, boarding a plane or waiting for a bus, you should let your children learn how to amuse themselves without your help. They should know that if you tiptoe around them instead of making food; it won’t be ready when they get hungry. You can also try to involve them by allowing them to help with the chores as much as they can. Also, children fall so often that they know how to protect themselves to a certain level, so there is no need for you to run over like crazy every time that happens.
Allowing your child do get up on its own will help it become stronger. Of course, unless something bad happens, but you should always approach calmly without losing your mind.