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15 Parental Behaviors That Can Affect a Child’s Mental Health

15 Parental Behaviors That Can Affect a Child’s Mental Health

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The one thing we all agree on is that shouting parents are not winning any awards. Beyond that parenting failure, there are other behaviors that can impact our kids—some more subtly than others. Don’t panic if you let your kid skip chores last week. It’s not the end of the world. Parenting is a wild ride of trial and error, and none of us have all the answers.

One day, you’re an expert on tantrum management, and the next, you’re questioning your stance on screen time and bedtime negotiations. All we want is to raise healthy, happy kids. But, sometimes, even the most well-meaning behaviors can have unintended effects on their mental health.

Here are some parental behaviors that can affect a child’s mental health. We give you this list with love so that you can keep on being the best parent you can be.

1. Being Overprotective

Happy young mother with boy in the park
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You’re in a park, and your child is trying to climb the jungle gym. Instead of letting them test their limits, you hover like a helicopter, ready to swoop in at the slightest wobble. You may be creating a helpless child, making them feel as if they can’t handle life’s challenges without Mom or Dad swooping in.

This lack of confidence can lead to anxiety, as they might develop a fear of trying new things or making mistakes. When children don’t have the chance to face challenges on their own, they might struggle to cope with setbacks later in life.

2. Being Abusive to Your Spouse or Co-Parent

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Children are incredibly perceptive. Even if you try to hide it, they likely sense when tension or abuse lurks in the household. Witnessing a parent being abusive towards their spouse or co-parent can have long-lasting effects on a child’s mental health.

It can create feelings of fear, anxiety, and confusion, as well as affect how they view their relationships and handle conflict in the future.

3. Inconsistency

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Inconsistent rules can turn parenting into a roller coaster of confusion. One day, your child might be scolded for leaving their toys out, and the next, it might be met with a shrug. This unpredictability can also damage their trust in you.

This can make kids feel unsure of what’s expected and constantly second-guess themselves. These children will constantly second-guess their choices and behaviors.

4. Negative Self-Talk

Selective focus of mother cheering up depressed little son on sofa at home
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Have you ever caught yourself venting about your flaws in front of your child? This seemingly harmless habit can create a negative feedback loop, where children internalize those sentiments.

When kids hear their parents use negative self-talk, they may begin to mirror that behavior, leading to a diminished self-image and heightened self-doubt. Beware of making your problems your children’s problems.

5. Emotional Unavailability

sad young child girl
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Maybe you were brought up by parents who didn’t show many emotions, and now you have the empathy of a cactus. Every child goes through tough times, from falling out with friends to the stress of a big test. When parents fail to provide emotional support during these moments, children might feel isolated in their struggles.

Overlooking their feelings can make them feel lonely, allowing worry to sneak in. To counteract this, prioritize open communication and create a safe space for your child to express their emotions.

6. Perfectionism and Unrealistic Expectations

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Setting high standards is one thing, but enforcing perfectionism is another beast entirely. Parents who obsess over being perfect themselves will inadvertently expect flawless performance in academics, sports, or arts and can unknowingly burden their children with immense pressure.

You will bring up a child who is scared of making mistakes and feels they can never make you happy. Let your kids know that it’s okay to be a work in progress. I mean, we all are, aren’t we all?

7. Overindulgence

Mother with her little girl choosing toys in kids store
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Are you always getting yourself whatever you want whenever you want it? This add-to-cart behavior often extends to the kids, and you will most likely treat them to an abundance of toys, treats, and privileges. It might seem like a generous gesture, but psychology says overindulgence can actually be a form of child neglect.

If kids get used to having everything they want, they might miss out on developing gratitude and resilience. When disappointment and frustration arise, as they inevitably will, it can be hard for them to accept that life doesn’t always offer free passes.

8. Having No Personal Boundaries

Little girl looking sad while her mother scolding her sitting on couch at home
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Freedom is awesome, and self-expression is even better, but a lack of boundaries can leave children feeling lost in an open-ended adventure without a map. Kids thrive when they understand the limits of acceptable behavior.

A parent without boundaries will raise a child without any, either. Without those boundaries, they may struggle to navigate their emotions and interactions. Find that balance between freedom and structure.

9. Poor Coping Mechanisms

Woman in depression, is drinking alcohol
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Do you resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms—like excessive drinking or avoidance tactics? Kids may adopt those habits as they grow up. This can create a cycle of unhealthy behavior, where children struggle to cope with stress and challenges constructively.

Instead of modeling resilience, they may learn to suppress emotions or resort to distractions. As their parent, it’s crucial that you demonstrate healthy coping strategies, such as talking about feelings, seeking support, and engaging in mindfulness activities.

10. Neglecting Self-Care

Young woman mother and little child son wearing casual clothes meditating together while sitting in lotus pose on floor in front of laptop in living room
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Parents often prioritize their children’s needs over their own, but neglecting self-care isn’t good for your parenting. When parents are stretched thin, it’s easy to let their emotional well-being slip through the cracks.

This will create a tense atmosphere that affects the entire family dynamic, leaving children feeling the weight of their caregivers’ struggles. Show your kids the importance of taking time for themselves through hobbies, relaxation, or seeking support.

11. Unhealthy Competition

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Are you and the Smiths silently competing? They buy a house, you buy a bigger one? Friendly competition can be motivating, but when it spirals into an unhealthy rivalry—either among siblings or between parents and children—it can take a toll on mental health.

The pressure to outperform can lead to anxiety and an intense fear of failure. Kids may feel that their worth is tied to their achievements, creating an endless cycle of stress and comparison that can overshadow their self-esteem.

12. Lack of Routine

Happy mother playing blocks with adorable little child
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As it turns out, the taking-things-as-they-come daily life may actually be harmful to your kids. While spontaneity may have a charm, a complete lack of routine can leave children feeling anxious and insecure. I guess that’s why they say a routine is good for you.

Routines provide a sense of stability and predictability in kid’s lives, helping them know what to expect each day. Without it, they may feel lost, leading to stress and behavioral issues.

13. Ignoring Mental Health

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Mental health discussions have become more prominent, yet many parents still struggle to recognize the importance of addressing these issues in their children.

Are you ignoring signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges? It’ll eventually catch up with you and lead to a deeper, more complex struggle for kids. When parents dismiss these concerns as “just a phase,” children may feel their struggles are invalid, causing emotional turmoil.

14. Excessive Screen Time

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We tend to blame kids a lot for always being glued to a screen, but have you analyzed your own screen-time behavior? You can’t be yelling, “Johny, put the iPad down!” when you’re glued to your phone.

Johny won’t listen, leading to social isolation and hindering the development of critical social skills. Model healthy tech habits and help your child cultivate a well-rounded lifestyle.

15. Focusing on Success Over Happiness

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What’s more important to you, success or happiness? Many parents sacrifice their happiness for achievement, and this pressure spills over to their children. We push children to excel in academics or sports, which can lead to immense pressure.

When children feel that their worth hinges on success, they lose sight of what truly brings them happiness. Instead, shift the focus from achievement to enjoyment. Encourage children to pursue activities that spark joy, even if they’re not the most prestigious or award-winning.

Source

Raise Emotionally Secure Kids With These 15 Key Phrases

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Emotionally secure kids are more resilient, empathetic, and better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs. The annual birthday gifts and occasional trips to the park are great, but how do you talk to your kids every day? The words we use as parents play a significant role in shaping their emotional well-being

Raise Emotionally Secure Kids With These 15 Key Phrases

14 Important Manners Parents Aren’t Teaching Kids Anymore

Cheerful family together eating pancakes with berries at table on kitchen
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Raising well-rounded kids requires more than getting them to shower and take their vitamins. Good manners are the little things that go a long way in shaping our kids into kind, considerate adults.

14 Important Manners Parents Aren’t Teaching Kids Anymore

15 Timeless Wisdoms From Grandma and Grandpa

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Here is a closer look at 15 things our elders were right about, and most of us can agree that they all hold true today more than ever. Prepare to challenge some of your assumptions and gain a newfound appreciation for the wisdom of those who came before us.

15 Timeless Wisdoms From Grandma and Grandpa

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