Bad Parenting Advice You Should Never Listen To
People seem to take the saying that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ very seriously. As soon as a child is born parents get used to receiving advice from everybody.
Although this advice may come with good intentions,most times they reflect long abandoned parenting techniques or come from a place of complete ignorance.
We explore some of these absolutely unnecessary tips that are not only misguided but may put your child in danger.
Bed sharing
Most parents embrace this practice to comfort their young child and ensure better sleep. while this may be achieved, bed sharing also opens up your little one to a variety of risks.
Adult beds do not have safety features that take care of the baby.The presence of pillows, blankets and soft mattresses increase the chances of sudden infant death syndrome.
Sleeping in your own bed with your baby within an arm’s reach is more advisable. this can be done by utilising extensions that help connect the bed with a nearby cradle.
Crying to sleep
A lot of people advice that you should let your child cry himself to sleep. Most times they are looking out for you and want you to get some rest yourself.
Ignoring your baby’s cry particularly at a period under six months will do more harm than good. Crying at this point is not just a call for attention but also signals important needs.
A cry can mean hunger,a soiled nappy, stress or just a plea to be soothed.
Disciplining your child is outdated
No parent enjoys having to punish a child. While corporal punishment is not the perfect for every situation there must be boundaries in place.
You must ensure that your child knows where you stand on major issues. Be clear on bedtime,chores and curfew.
When you make rules, inform your child of the consequences and be sure to follow through if they disobey.Don’t fall for their passionate pleas to get out of punishment.
The TV is the perfect babysitter
Anyone that gives you this advice does not have your best interests at heart. Setting your kids in front of the TV without supervision is a total NO!.
Sadly, a lot of parents have embraced it because it helps them save the cost of having someone at home. Rather than take this route embrace beneficial after school programs that will keep your child occupied productively.
You should focus on good grades
There is no debate that a child will benefit from quality education. However an undue focus on grades and educational achievements is a short sighted approach.
Your role as a parent is to help your child find a passion that will become a path in life. If your child is not a straight A’s student, provide support and help your child acheive self discovery.
Most importantly, let your child explore and have fun. No child should have to look back on childhood as an endless stream of lesson teachers and school work.
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