Things that parents should NOT do!

Raising happy and well mannered children the right way is a major concern for all couples and many resorts to their respective parent’s method of upbringing and usually land up arguing over it or even worse, getting their children confused.

Although all logical parents have their set ways of conduct, here are a few tips which could be useful if tried upon:

Hitting your child is not at all correct. Teach them, make rules and discipline them, make them understand but never hit as doing so develops negative emotions in the child’s mind.
Never shout, scream or shame them. The hurt may last a lifetime and make your child too aggressive or timid.
Set meal timings, serve nutritious food in attractive settings such as colorful plates and bowls but never force them to eat more than they can. Not only will it go undigested but shall de-motivate poor eaters further.
Playpens are safe areas; don’t get hyper that your child may fall. Teenage children may fall off a bicycle or during sports, don’t stop them. Bruises and cuts are a part of growing up, let them!
Don’t bail your child out of trouble at school or elsewhere. Doing so may encourage him/ her to become a miscreant later in life. Let them face the consequences of their actions.
Limiting what they watch on TV and how much is very essential. Similarly, phone calls, internet usage and texting should not go un-monitored.
Letting kids sit and watch you do all the household chores is not a good idea. Delegate age appropriate jobs to build up a sense of responsibility in them apart from being a good team building exercise.
Don’t pounce upon your child in case of mistake. Make them understand why the act was wrong, its repercussions and help them rectify their mistake. Mostly, the mistake won’t be repeated.
Zero discussions on topics such as drugs and sex usually lead them to wrong information from peers. Have open conversations with them and guide them right.
Don’t pave the path for them. Guide them but keep a few choices for them to make. Judgement comes through experience.
Never let their efforts go unappreciated. Praise them for the good they do and for the truth they speak – remember, they will do what you appreciate them to do. If you appreciate trust, they will be truthful.
Never stop them from involving in group activities, treks and attending birthdays. This is the way they learn social skills.
Never skip family times together. This is the time you share your ethics and virtues with them along with stories of your past or your ancestral history.
Never stop your kids from opening up; be it their ideas, innovations, secrets or emotions. For you, it may seem as baby talk but for them, it is huge.
Don’t reward each and every good deed or gesture. Some things are expected out of them – getting good grades needs to be appreciated but not rewarded. Helping an elderly relative need to be appreciated, not rewarded. Judge wisely!