As a parent, earning your child’s respect isn’t automatic—it’s something you build through daily actions and consistent behaviour.
While love comes naturally, respect grows based on how you treat your child and how you lead by example. Unfortunately, some common habits can slowly weaken that respect over time.
Here are 10 parental behaviours that may unknowingly harm the bond of respect between you and your child.
1. Constant Criticism:
When parents always point out what their child is doing wrong without offering praise or encouragement, it can lower the child’s confidence. Over time, the child may stop listening and begin to resent or disrespect the parent.
2. Not Practicing What You Preach:
Children watch more than they listen. If you tell your child to be honest or respectful but fail to do the same, they may see you as hypocritical and lose respect for your authority.
3. Yelling and Harsh Discipline:
Shouting or using fear to control a child may get quick results, but it damages trust and emotional safety. A child raised in fear may obey but not respect.
4. Being Emotionally Unavailable:
Children need attention, affection, and someone to talk to. If you’re too busy or dismissive, they may feel unimportant, which can lead to emotional distance and loss of respect.
5. Overcontrolling Their Lives:
Micromanaging every choice your child makes can make them feel powerless. As they grow older, they may rebel or ignore your opinions entirely, seeing you as overbearing rather than wise.
6. Breaking Promises:
If you often say things like, “We’ll go later” or “I’ll help you tomorrow” and don’t follow through, your child may stop trusting your words. Trust is the foundation of respect.
7. Comparing Them to Others:
Whether it’s siblings, classmates, or neighbours, comparing your child can hurt their self-esteem and make them feel like they’re never good enough. This can lead to resentment and disrespect.
8. Not Apologizing When Wrong:
Parents make mistakes too. If you never say sorry or admit when you’re wrong, your child may see you as proud or unfair. Apologizing shows strength and teaches humility.
9. Dismissing Their Feelings:
Saying things like “stop crying” or “it’s not a big deal” teaches your child that their emotions don’t matter. This emotional invalidation can create distance and reduce respect over time.
10. Putting Others Above Them Consistently:
If your child constantly sees you prioritize work, friends, or even social media over them, they may feel unvalued. This can weaken your bond and affect the respect they have for you.
CONCLUSION:
Respect is earned, not forced. As children grow, they remember how you made them feel more than what you said. By avoiding these harmful habits and focusing on love, honesty, and consistency, you can build a lasting relationship filled with mutual respect.
