
Being a parent is never an easy road, especially in today's times. For Millennial parents (born between 1981 and 1996), the pressure to do everything "right" is immense, and sometimes, in their attempt to escape their parents' strict rules, they overdo it and undermine the very respect their children should have for them.
Here are the 11 most common ways we are "training" our children to disrespect us:
Giving in to outbursts of anger
By giving your child toys, chocolates, or tablets to calm a public outburst, they learn that yelling is the way to get what they want.
Screen time
Allowing the TV or tablet to replace time with a parent teaches children that they can do whatever they want without restrictions and without respect for a parent's instructions.
Being more of a friend than a parent
When parents act more like friends, children lose their sense of authority and begin to feel equal to their parents, undermining respect.
Favoring one child over another
When children realize that one is constantly being favored, they begin to challenge their parents' authority to get attention.
Not having a sleep schedule
Allowing a child to choose their own bedtime teaches them that persistence and threats can always get them what they want.
When help with housework is not required
When children don't take responsibility, they learn that they don't need to respect the family's space or rules and feel privileged.
Never saying "no"
When children are allowed to do anything, they learn that their desires are always more important than rules and respect for adults.
Letting them lie without consequences
When lies go unpunished, children learn that there is no accountability for their actions and respect for authority weakens.
When it protects them from failure
When children don't experience the consequences of their choices, they don't learn patience, effort, and respect for the process of rules.
When you never face the consequences
If a parent's threats are not followed up with action, children learn that rules should not be followed.
Giving "one last chance" without any real consequences
When children realize that any warning can be overturned, they take this opportunity to constantly challenge their parents and minimize their authority.
Source: Your Tango