It won’t be a wrong thing to say but there are many parents out there who think that having a child makes their problems superior to others and they can get more privileges compared to non-parenting people. However, using kids as an excuse or reason to behave differently and demand benefits can have a very big impact on your overall parental personality. Well, it’s never too late to address some behavioral changes to get back on track and set a more proper example for your children.
So, in this article, we’ll discuss 4 behavioral models that you should take into consideration if you want to act more like a wiser parent than just a show-off or opportunistic parent.
1. Letting Your Life Revolve Around Your Children’s Life
Letting your life revolve around your children’s life isn’t a great practice at all. While it is important to be involved in their lives, it can also be detrimental to both you and them if you become too focused on them. It is better for everyone if parents find a balance between being present and letting their kids have some independence.
When parents focus too much of their energy on the lives of their children they tend to lose sight of themselves as individuals who need time away from parenting duties to stay healthy, mentally and emotionally. This can lead to burnout or even resentment towards the child which will damage the relationship that exists between parent and child.
By allowing your kids some independence you are teaching them valuable lessons about self-sufficiency while giving ourselves more freedom as well. This will help create healthier relationships with your children because they won’t feel smothered by you or feel like you are constantly watching their every move, which could cause feelings of mistrust. Not only does having more free time give us an opportunity for personal growth but it also allows you quality family time together so that you can still enjoy activities such as vacations without feeling overwhelmed by all the responsibilities associated with parenthood!
2. Asking For Special Considerations To Please Your Kids
Image: ShutterstockAs a parent, it is important to set the right example for your children. You should never ask for special considerations to please your kids in front of others, as this can send the wrong message and create an unhealthy precedent.
When you make requests like these in public settings or around other people, it sends a signal that you are willing to bend rules and compromise standards just because of your child. This type of behavior sets up expectations that may be difficult or impossible for them (or anyone else) to live up to later on down the road, especially when dealing with authority figures or institutions such as schools and employers who will not necessarily have any reason as to why they should give special treatment based solely on someone’s family connections.
Instead of asking for exceptions from established rules, parents should focus their efforts on teaching their children how best to navigate within those boundaries so that they can learn valuable life skills such as problem-solving techniques which will benefit them far more than having everything handed out easily without any thought given towards consequences. In this way, you are helping your kids develop healthy habits which will serve them well both now and into adulthood no matter what situation arises!
3. Bragging About Your Child All The Time
Parents often want to share stories of success or achievements with friends, family, and even strangers but they need to do so tactfully and thoughtfully. Bragging about your child every time in front of others is a behavior that should be avoided at all costs. It can make other people feel uncomfortable and put unnecessary pressure on the child as well. Parents should instead look for positive ways to show their pride in their children without making it obvious to everyone around them.
Instead of bragging about how great your kid is at school or sports, you could focus on celebrating small successes like completing an assignment early or getting a personal best score in practice games. And when doing this in front of others, keep in mind that boasting about your kid doesn’t mean you compare or disrespect other’s kids.
It’s important for parents not only to respect other people’s boundaries when talking about their children but also to remember that there is more than one way for them to express pride without coming across as boastful.
4. Thinking You Kid Is Always Right
It’s natural to want your children to have all the best opportunities, but it’s also important that they learn how to be responsible adults with good character traits. As parents, you must set an example for your kids by never justifying or defending their misbehavior or thinking they are always right and can speak whatever they feel like without consequence. This sets a very bad precedent for their future behavior.
When your children make mistakes, you must acknowledge them so that your kids understand why certain behaviors are not acceptable instead of covering up for them. You should explain why these actions were wrong and offer alternative ways of handling situations to prevent similar problems from occurring again in the future. Additionally, when possible provide positive reinforcement when your child behaves appropriately as this will encourage more desirable outcomes going forward.
It’s a no-brainer that being a parent is one of the toughest jobs to do. Not only do you have to raise them correctly but have to maintain a good relationship with others while not being too much of a show-off. Hopefully, these 4 situations will help you resonate with your thinking and behavior and guide you to being a wiser parent and a more empathetic parent overall. Do let us know in the comment section below, what else you do to top the parent game. Happy parenting till then!