Four Parenting Myths Busted

There are a thousand and one myths about parenting that are not helpful, not true and only reduces a parents’ confidence in how they raise their child. Here are four of those myths you should be wary of:

1. Good parents put their children’s needs first

The belief that children should come first is noble, but sometimes far from the truth. Realistically, if you do not put your needs first sometimes, you will be completely worn out and will not have the energy to be calm, thoughtful and patient when your child misbehaves and needs you the most. It is important to meet your own needs first sometimes, because that helps you build a stronger bond and respond in a better manner to your child.

2. Shouting on your kids makes you a bad parent

Every parent gets to the end of their rope and loses it at some point. Lashing out does not make you the worst mother or father, it only shows you are human too. That’s what your child needs from you; to see that at some point they will make mistakes, but most importantly to see you fix the mistakes you make.

3. The more you talk and explain, the better your child will understand and learn

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Statistics prove that children between the ages of one and six are simply concrete learners and cannot process and understand logic and reasoning the way you do. So don’t waste so much time. For children at this stage, keep your sentences or reproaches short and direct. Try to add a little empathy just to be at their level.

4. Parenting will come naturally if you love your child and have good intentions

Being a parent and parenting a child are two different things. You can parent a child excellently, and not even be that child’s biological mother or father, while a mother can have no clue on how to be a good parent to her own children. Everyone needs guidance in defining their parenting philosophy, intentions and building the skills needed to be a calm and effective parent. You can read books and learn from grandparents and great-grand parents. Good parenting is something learned in most cases, not necessarily an innate ability.