As parents, we lead by example. But it is all too easy to lead kids astray with ineffective parenting habits. Most would agree that kids need plenty of encouragement and support along with a healthy mix of independence and experiential learning. So here are five parenting mistakes to avoid to ensure your child grows up to be a successful leader.
Helicopter Parenting
The term “helicopter parent” has been around for a while. “It means being involved in a child’s life in a way that is overcontrolling, overprotecting, and overperfecting,” explains Psychologist Ann Dunnewold, “in a way that is in excess of responsible parenting.” Nobody wants to see their child get hurt, but if you shield your child from all pain, he’ll miss some important learning experiences. The adage, “That which doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” comes into play here. If you want your child to grow strong, let him taste some of life’s bitterness along with the sweet.
It’s okay to be a safety net, but if you hover too much, your child won’t know how to cope when you’re not there. Researchers have found that over-protected children are less open to new ideas and more vulnerable to anxiety and self-consciousness.
Overpraising
Dr. Paul Donahue warns that overpraising children can hinder growth. Too many compliments can prompt a child to believe he must always be perfect, that outside validation is a necessary part of life, and that trying new things is risky. Kids need to know it is OK to fail sometimes and that putting effort into something is worth doing even if the results are not successful.
Donahue recommends that parents praise effort rather than achievement. He also suggests that you word your accolades as specifically as possible. Instead of making blanket statements like “Great job,” say things like, “You really put a lot of effort into that!”
Mistaking Physical Growth for Mental Maturity
Children pass through a number of developmental stages as they grow. These stages can be classified as infancy (zero to two years), early childhood (three to five), childhood (six to nine), preadolescence (ten to twelve), early adolescence (thirteen to fifteen), and late adolescence (sixteen to eighteen).
A child who is nine may look like he’s twelve. That doesn’t mean he’s equipped to watch his baby sister when you’re not home. A child who is twelve may look like she’s sixteen. That doesn’t mean she’s ready to date or handle a romantic relationship.
Don’t make assumptions about what your child is mature enough to handle based on looks, behavior, grades, or intelligence. Know what to expect during each developmental stage, and don’t let outward appearances fool you.
Giving In
Children test limits; it’s part of being a kid. If you always give in to your child’s demands when they are throwing a tantrum and you know you shouldn’t, you’re doing him a disservice.
Battling a persistent kid can be uncomfortable. Set your limits, and stick to them. If you don’t, you may unwittingly teach your child that adults are soft-willed and kids can always get whatever they want. Model good leadership by taking your parental role seriously. Your child, in turn, will become a good leader by watching you.
Acting Without Integrity
Do you ever swear in traffic? Tell lies to avoid a confrontation? Make a promise that you fail to keep? Act differently when no one else is around besides your child?
What you do and say influences your child’s perception of himself. If you act without integrity, your child will internalize this behavior as his own. A leader without character is a poor leader, indeed.
Parenting isn’t easy, and no parent is perfect. But parents should try to avoid these common parenting mistakes to ensure children learn the skills they’ll need to become leaders and to be successful adults.