4 Negative and 3 Positive Influences Of Parenting On Children

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The influence of parenting on children is huge and impacts how children conduct themselves.

For example, maintaining a pleasant atmosphere at home could help nurture a confident child. On the other hand, a child who is anxious and nervous all the time may often be exposed to their outrageous parental behavior. Hence it is important to understand that your lifestyle practices and disputes with your partner could largely impact your child’s overall development and outlook towards relationships in life. Children look up to their parents for guidance. Proper parental and discipline could lead to the right upbringing of a child by instilling the values and teaching correct behavior.

Altogether, positive parenting and upbringing could achieve positive development of a child, while bad parenting can affect a child’s esteem, mental health, and social life. Read this post to explore the important aspects and consequences of positive and negative parenting on children.

Experts say

Numerous studies indicate that parents who combine warmth and sensitivity with firm behavioral demands may raise the most well-adjusted children (4).

Negative Influence Of Parents On Children

Negative parenting style can be detrimental to a child’s development and behavior

. Children who are victims of bad parenting could show improper behavior. Such is the impact of bad parenting.

1. Language:

Couples may show disrespect to each other or others by using a crude language. They may often curse in front of their children. A child may learn how to swear just by imitating his parents (1).

2. Bad Habits:

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The bad habits of parents such as drinking, smoking and lying can grossly affect the physical and mental health of a child. A child who sees his parents following a disciplined lifestyle like healthy eating and regular exercising is more likely to imbibe and practice one himself (2).

3. Relationship Issues:

Tension and quarrel between husband and wife can mar a child’s physical and mental well-being(3)

. The hostile atmosphere at home will suppress the little ones confidence and desires. It not only takes a toll on his equation with his parents but may also lead to his skepticism and distrust towards relationships in general.

Experts say

When parents are emotionally distant, children may experience emotional withdrawal in adolescence. They may struggle to express their emotions because they don’t have role models to show that it’s okay to be open and honest with others on an emotional level (5).

4. Temper:

Children are often the victims of their parents’ bad temper. Such children are likely to develop a mercurial temperament.

Positive Influence Of Parents On Children

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Various positive parenting styles can help nurture healthy habits and encourage positive behavior in children. Children develop best when they are raised with attachment and love. Family dynamics and parental involvement can play a major role in a child’s upbringing. Positive styles include clear and reasonable parental expectations as well as respectful and supportive interactions. These styles believe in nurturing their children and providing positive parental influence so that the children become the best version of themselves. Such kind of parental support is required in all situations.

1. Clear Message:

Parents need to communicate clearly the dos and don’ts to their children. For example: If you want your child to clean up the room, say, “Please clean-up the room” instead of “Don’t make a mess.” A clear communication of praise can provide apt motivation to your child.

2. Be A Good Role Model:

According to Mac Bledsoe, the author of Parenting with Dignity, being a good role model for the children inspires them to behave better. Parental control is necessary but try not to overdo it. Instead of using “Do as I say, not as I do” method, imbibe good qualities in yourselves. Remember parents are a child’s first teachers. Good or positive mentoring is what your child requires, and not controlling.

How To Be A Good Role Model For Your Child

Being a role model for your child involves various key practices.

• Begin by being open about your life, letting your child see the real you, including your imperfections.
• If you’ve made mistakes, share them openly, transforming them into valuable learning experiences for your child.
• A crucial aspect is to be an attentive listener. Children have daily experiences and insights to share; being a receptive listener fosters open communication and understanding. It’s not always about teaching; sometimes, it’s about learning from your child’s perspective.
• Demonstrate kindness and respect in both your words and actions toward others.
• Use problem-solving skills to handle challenges calmly and productively. Avoid reacting with anger, as this sets a negative example for your child.
• Maintain a positive attitude, encouraging optimistic thinking and behavior.
• Also, extend kindness and care to yourself, showing the importance of self-love.

A mother and an anonymous blogger from Toronto shares how her parents influenced her life. She writes in her blog, “My mom and dad shared essential values, and taught me early on to heed them. Showing kindness would reap its rewards, being honest would free you of guilt, sharing with those less fortunate would manifest itself in ways you couldn’t even possibly imagine sometimes. From both of them, I learned tolerance… even if I didn’t like someone. They taught me the importance of working harder for what I wanted. Perhaps, the more difficult something is to attain, the more worthwhile (i).”

3. Understand Your Child:

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Gary Smalley, the author of Homes of Honor Parenting Manual, encourages parents to understand their children’s personality type and then tailor their interaction. He insists that parents should appreciate their children with a hug or a ruffle in the hair once they do the task. Non-verbal communication too can enhance the understanding parents share with their young ones.

Infographic: Things You Should Not Say To/In Front Of Your Children

Children are highly influenced by their parents’ words and activities. Therefore, check out and save this infographic to learn what you should not say in front of your child.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Negative and 3 Positive Influences Of Parenting On Children

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

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