Parents usually do not make certain mistakes intentionally. But they often rely on their parenting instincts and commit mistakes from time to time. They are unaware that these mistakes are serious issues that need to be addressed.
So here we are listing down 11 common parenting mistakes highlighted by international school teachers which needed to be addressed by you to become more effective parents.
11 common parenting mistakes as advised by Montessori Nursery teachers in Dubai International School
Not Trying to Fix Problems
Most parents do not think of it as a problem and consider them a natural thing that cannot be fixed and so they do not find solutions to fix it. Hence they endure months and years of frustration living with common problems. Such as bedtime battles, not listening, temper tantrums and behavior problems, etc.
Although it might take some time and effort, it can surely be fixed. So parents need to read blogs, and books on the challenges of parenting or google their issues and find solutions. Visiting health professionals can be saviors if you are facing serious issues persistently.
Overestimating or Underestimating Problems
In order to fix a problem, Dubai International school teaches parents to think about the issues they are facing, and ask themselves questions like, “How serious is the problem?” or “How big is it?”. Notice your child’s behavior and introspect if there is a change in it and they are behaving weirdly persistently.
For eg:- Occasional tantrums, feeling sad, not talking, etc.
Make sure in noticing, do not overestimate or underestimate problems. Keep a check on them and check if they are persistently behaving in the same way and not to stress also by overestimating things. Take the help of professionals to access extreme habits..
Unrealistic Expectations
Sometimes parents keep unrealistic expectations from their little ones or compare their kids to others which leads to pressures and burdens.
Always have realistic expectations from your child in the Montessori nursery which should match your child’s age and development.
For eg:- Do not think your 2-year child should be potty trained, no matter what!. They will eventually be with regular practice so set realistic expectations of your children.
Being Inconsistent
Showing inconsistent parenting style also confuses children as to what they are supposed to do or expected from them. Follow consistency in your parenting styles, do not change rules, and set habits.
For eg:- You pamper them a lot for their good work and some days you do not appreciate their efforts. Do not let your mood affect your parenting style. Follow the habits yourself regularly and be consistent in them in order to influence them.
Not Having Rules or Setting Limits
Most of the time, parents forget to set limits or have rules to restrict some activities which is a big mistake.
Having rules, setting limits, following consistent good habits, and offering limited choices is needed to help children know what is good or bad and what they should do or expect from them.
Fighting Back
Parents yell/shout or threaten, argue, repeat sentences repeatedly loudly to prove their point, etc., putting a negative impact on a child’s mind.
Instead, parents should adopt some techniques to instill discipline in them like time-out or other reasonable interventions which drive your message home, etc.
Not Changing What Doesn’t Work
Sometimes parents know the problem but do not change their strategies to experiment and figure it out. They accept easily that it’s not working out and give up easily. Dubai international school teachers suggest parents should keep experimenting with techniques to sort the issues until it is fixed.
Rectifying Mistakes
Overlooking children’s misbehavior is different. It should not be ignored but should be guided politely at the same time.
Here we are focusing on children making mistakes. Often, children make mistakes while learning and do things differently, and as a tendency parents try to rectify them. Experts suggest that children should be allowed to make mistakes and then later should be explained politely by helping them distinguish between good and bad.
Comparison with Others
This is one of the worst mistakes parents make as it affects the cognitive development and learning abilities of children. Every child is unique so parents should appreciate it and should be given enough time to prove them.
Instead, they should be encouraged regularly for their potential and praised when necessary to keep the balance, or else it might also pave the path for over-confidence in them.
Not Practicing what they Preach
Parents must practice what they preach which helps in positively influencing the child as children have a tendency to mimic in the same way. If you want your child to follow discipline and good habits, you should do it consistently. They will see it and will follow your league.
Not Allowing the Child to Explore
Overprotective parents do not allow children to explore. Hence it harms the child’s development in the process and does not allow them to figure out their potential.
We must encourage them to figure out things on their own but you should just make sure that they are safe.
Conclusion
Child experts highlight that the above-mentioned parent’s behaviors can negatively impact a child’s mindset. So parents should introspect their parenting styles and figure out issues if any and read more on finding solutions to fix them.
You can instill good qualities in them by following proper parenting techniques and providing them with a suitable environment in school. A Montessori nursery is a perfect example of good child training habits. A Montessori classroom is powered by a teacher who gives children positive reinforcements while also giving them the freedom to explore.
In order to help your child grow into disciplined, cultured, healthy adults, parents and guardians should not ignore mistakes. Also, take help from specialists so that they do not affect the development of the child in the process.
