Becoming a parent is surely a blessing. It comes with certain hopes, aspirations and a great load of happiness.
However, parenting is not devoid of challenges. It demands effort and dedication, but in no way should you believe in the untrue ideas about parenting.
You may aspire to become a perfect parent, you may try your hand at everything, but make sure you steer clear of the parenting myths that give you the false impression.
You may not know it, but some parenting tricks which you think will work, may actually land up doing more harm than any good.
That said, here are the parenting myths that may be sabotaging your relationship with yourself and your child.
Myth 1: Parents should be perfect at parenting
Human beings are imperfect creatures and so are parents. Surely, you can strive to become the best version of yourself, but pushing yourself to be perfect will only wear you out. What you must understand is that your child wants you to put effort, but he or she also wants to see you happy and content. In trying to be a perfect parent, you deprive yourself of self-care and also may end up resenting yourself and your life. That said, rather than trying to be perfect, give your child your all and do not expect anything in return.
Myth 2: Children need to be pushed
Many parents think that pushing their kids, being strict with them, and compelling them to reach the heights of success will make them achieve their goals and ambitions. However, that is not the case. A child needs as much love and warmth as anyone else in the world. Forcing them, straining them to focus on their studies, sports and other activities, will only exhaust them. It may eventually backfire and make them lose interest in things that previously interested them.
Myth 3: Shaming kids will make them more efficient
It is more important than parents think before criticising or shaming their kids. While some may believe that shaming young children will make them carry out their work properly, even if it is out of fear, truth be told, it is only toxic. They may lose self-confidence, become more introverted, may go on to lose their voices and more. That said, indulge in productive criticism. make them realise where they went wrong, but also guide them to become better human beings.
Myth 4: One must shield their child from getting hurt
A parent surely wants their child to be free of any danger. That’s an instinct of any parent. But is shielding them from every problem and risks in life productive? Think about it. You may protect your child when they’re young, but what when they grow up. Without having no prior knowledge of problem-solving techniques, with no experience to overcome challenges, they’ll fail at dealing with any future dangers in their lives
Life lessons are crucial, not just in the form of verbal advice but also in practical forms.
Myth 5: Parents must make sacrifices, give up on their dreams
A lot of parents, after becoming parents, give up on their dreams and aspirations. They believe their sole duty is to raise their children into beautiful, good human beings, while their own individuality fades away over time. However, it is important that parents take proper care of themselves, their dreams, their own health and mental well being.
