6 harmful sayings that parents often unintentionally teach their children

There are pieces of advice that parents think will be good for their children but in reality are counterproductive.

“Boys shouldn't cry” is the most ridiculous advice parents give their children.

1. “Do as your parents say”

This is one of the most useless pieces of advice parents give their children. In fact, children learn from their parents' role models.

So if you are a “talker” then your advice will have little impact. For example, if you want your children to stop yelling at their siblings but you often yell at them, then you should first correct yourself and set an example.

2. "Everything will be okay"

How can you be sure that everything will be okay? Parents are not prophets, so it is best not to use that phrase, simply because this comforting word will not help the child.

If your child’s best friend has a terminal illness, this statement is unrealistic and can be harmful to your child. Don’t give your child false hope, because you’ll be lying to them, but show them how to cope.

3. "Boys don't cry"

Crying is a normal emotional response, so it is understandable that children cry. However, some parents teach that boys should not cry because it shows weakness. Inadvertently, you are denying your child the need to share their feelings, forcing them to understand that they have to overcome them on their own. Even grown men will feel isolated when hearing this and may resort to violence.

4. "You can do anything you want."

Many people mistakenly think this is a way to encourage their children to pursue their dreams and desires. However, as parents, you should help them define their goals and ambitions in life by giving them "backup plans" that help them think about different options, not some unrealistic goal that has less than a 1% chance of happening.

5. "Always be yourself"

This advice is not always correct. Sometimes children's behavior is not socially acceptable or welcomed and has negative consequences. In these cases, children need to learn how to manage their negative behavior.

Let your children know that they can be their true selves as long as it is not illegal, unethical, or harmful to others.

6. "Think about your future"

It is not the right way for parents to think of ways to guide their children to "focus on the future" to achieve success later on.

Elementary school kids don't need to be thinking about which sports and extracurricular activities will get them into a great college. Instead, let your child experience all the good things in the present.

A study has shown that children will be more successful later in life if they are well equipped with problem-solving skills in everyday life while still a child.

According to GD&TĐ