A psychologist shares the 7 biggest parenting mistakes that destroy kids’ confidence and self-esteem

CNBC ^ | 9/7/19 | Amy Morin

[Moonman62]

1. Letting them escape responsibility

While you might think chores will weigh your kids down and add to their stress level, pitching in around the house will help them become more responsible citizens.

Doing age-appropriate duties helps them feel a sense of mastery and accomplishment. So whether you tell your child to help with the laundry or take the trash out, responsibilities are opportunities for kids to see themselves as capable and competent.

2. Preventing them from making mistakes

It’s tough to watch your child fail, get rejected or mess up on something. When this happens, so many parents rush in to save kids before they fall. But preventing them from making mistakes robs them of the opportunity to learn how to bounce back.

Whether your child forgets their cleats before a big soccer game or gets a few questions wrong on their math quiz, mistakes can be life’s greatest teacher. Each one is an opportunity for them to build the mental strength they need to do better next time.

[yldstrk]

I don’t care for psychologists and their tendency to play God.

[buffyt]

I wasn’t a perfect parent. But one time I asked our oldest son, he is 38 now, about what a bad mom I was. He was our first, we made all or most of the mistakes on him. Had no idea what we were doing! I told him that I am sorry about all that. He asked me, “Was I a perfect kid, mom?” I said No. He said then I didn’t need to be a perfect mom. LOL Smart kid!

But I always preached the “R” word. Responsibility!

[chris37]

Psychologists are the reason children have been ruined.

[bankwalker]

So how does all of this align with the teachings of the notorious Dr. Benjamin Spock?

[cyclotic]

About 180 degrees opposed.

After 29 years as a parent of four grown kids and decades of leadership in various youth programs I tend to agree with most of her conclusions.

[super7man]

No, I did not read the article.

Biggest mistake is not teaching children that there is and always be some authority over them in life. Ultimately a loving God.

[mombonn]

I wasn’t a perfect parent.

Greatest quote I ever heard was, “God was a perfect parent, and look how His kids turned out”. Kind of helps when we consider our efforts! LOL

[aspasia]

Biggest mistake is not teaching children that there is and always be some authority over them in life. Ultimately a loving God. True humility.

It's a big mistake to starve your children.

[thirst4truth]

My youngest went to a psychologist for help in his two year marriage. He has since, 2.7 years ago, quit speaking to his parents and older brother who has two children. He is getting divorced, and even his psychologist quit him, said there is nothing more he can do for him.

We are just waiting for him to grow up at age 32 and figure it all out, he was raised Christian, the psychologist gave him Nietzsche to read.

[devane617]

My mother always said, children come with instructions. Today, parents pick a “program” to raise their kids. No wonder society is screwed.

[D Rider]

All that was said, used to be common sense.

Hows this for psychology? When my girls were little, I told them that they were not smart or talented, but... that a person can usually beat the smart and talented through focus and effort. Because smart and talented kids take their gifts for granted. They believed me, and that is how I ended up with two smart and talented girls.

[SkyPilot]

Psychiatrist.

Psychologist.

[PIF]

A psychologist shares the 7 biggest parenting mistakes that destroy (girl) kids’ confidence and self-esteem

1. Letting them escape responsibility
2. Preventing them from making mistakes
3. Protecting them from their emotions
4. Condoning a victim mentality
5. Being overprotective
6. Expecting perfection
7. Punishing, rather than disciplining

This article is about making women strong. Men? Not a concern or who cares they are such brutes anyway.

Of course, the biggest mistake is treating kids as if they are an experiment, followed by making them the parent’s pet sex toy - or both. But, mentioning these “mistakes” is not PC.

[BobL]

Not spanking.

[Da Coyote]

As little as I respect the profession, the list was actually very logical (IMHO). A previous post gave the shortened list, and I believe most would agree.

Now, as for the majority of that ...er...profession, may the flies of a thousand camels come to rest in their cocktails.

[metmom]

How did something with this much common sense slip through the cracks and make it onto the MSM??????

[dandiegirl]

Not spanking.

Totally agree!

[Cowboy Bob]

I'm glad “Taking your son to a Brothel” didn't make the list. (Personally, I don't consider that a “mistake”)

[Steven Tyler]

CNBC viewers do not care.

Career Mom is working and dumps her children at daycare.

That Mom has no clue what her kids are doing