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SITE : 10 Things Parents Should Never Do

 

Things Parents Should NOT Do for them —  DON’T :

👫 allow unfiltered SCREEN TIME
Research shows that most kids get anywhere from 5.5 to 8 hours of screen time every day—they only need one or two   While it’s almost impossible to cut off access completely, there’s a difference between some screen time and endless blue light. Covering hundreds of studies on digital media & health effects over the last 20 years, the review’s findings mark a departure from previous thoughts on screen use.

Screen time alone doesn’t tell the whole story anymore. The newest guidelines warn that enforcing time limits alone fails to address the influence of powerful platform designs built to drive engagement. Low-quality digital use can be highly stimulating but may lead to poor sleep, attention difficulties, academic challenges, & emotional dis-regulation . High-quality content, on the other hand, can enrich a developing mind. .

👫 do TOO MUCH for them
Don’t spoil your kids with ‘extra’ help. Over-parenting can lead to entitlement (9 signs) & low self-esteem. It’s tempting with the older ones – especially after you’ve told them multiple times, & it would just be easier to do it yourself .  But helping too much will make them lazy, stubborn, inactive & most importantly, reliant on others.

Kids need to learn the value of hard work & contributing to their environment. Giving them age-appropriate chores & responsibilities not only builds confidence but also teaches them essential life skills. A child who learns to work regularly at home is more likely to succeed in school & beyond, & make them feel much better about themselves.

SPECIFIC :  do your children’s CHORES
Chores come in many forms, regardless of age  Every parent likes things done a certain way – but even if they leave a few water spots on the plate, teach them how to do chores properly & to do them alone.  Praise them for what they are doing well & make suggestions for improvement. This will help them have pride in doing a good job & encourage them to keep up the excellent work.

ASLO, don’t CLEAN UP after them
It’s tempting with the older ones – especially after you’ve told them 1,000 times – & it would just be easier to do it yourself . However, babying is exactly what creates entitlement (9 signs). Teach them when young that they’re responsible for their own mess.

👫  do your child’s Homework 
Homework can be tough! Who hasn’t sat at the kitchen table after a long day & wanted to pull their hair out over a math or phonics worksheet? While you can always help your children,  it can be tempting to blurt out every answers. Instead, you should know when to step back, allowing the kids to make mistakes & grow on life’s journey. Academics are important, but kids have to do things themselves to stay on the right track.
Exceptions will occur if you have a special-needs child, but then professional assistance may be required.

👫 expect their Unconditional Love
Children don’t always feel unconditional love for their parents. From life choices to sweeping career changes, kids change their mind all the time. They may feel strong affection & attachment, but their love is often influenced by their emotional safety & the support they receive from their parents.

Unconditional love from parents is crucial for children to develop a secure attachment, but children themselves may not have the capacity to love without conditions due to their developmental stage and vulnerability It’s a parent’s job to support them no matter what. When children are dealing with life’s challenges, it’s always nice to know they have a place to call home. And there are some things parents should never stop doing for their children, no matter how old they get.

👫 give them Rides 
There’s nothing wrong with offering your kids a ride – a lifeline that can keeps them safe & teaches them you’re a good source of support. But you’re not an unpaid chauffeur either. It’s one thing to pick your kids up after a party, it’s another to give them rides down the street. When they’re old enough, & mature enough, let them explore the neighborhood & get comfortable with public transportation.

NEXT : What not to DO for THEM (#2)