To be a parent is to combine freedom, happiness and education for the well-being of our children. Discover 3 seemingly harmless things that parents do that can actually be toxic....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Parenting encompasses the multiple aspects of parental function, combining material, psychological, moral, cultural and social dimensions. It is a very complex process that shapes the relationship between parents and children. Parenting sometimes involves sacrifices such as lack of sleep, time and aside from emotions to meet the needs of children. However, it is essential to question our behaviour as parents in order to avoid attitudes that are toxic to our children. Certain bad habits, even involuntary, can be harmful and need to be identified and corrected.
Sometimes, unwittingly and unconsciously, some parents may adopt behaviours that are toxic to their children, thereby jeopardizing their well-being and development. Toxic parenthood refers to a parenting style characterized by harmful, abusive or negligent behaviour towards children. This may include forms of physical, emotional, verbal violence, or lack of attention and adequate support. Toxic parenthood can have serious consequences for the emotional and psychological development of children.
Educational habits that were thought to be harmless
Nika Diwa is “mumfluencer”, a renowned influence on TikTok. She openly shares her family life and advocates love through social media. It has more than 3 million subscribers, attracting a large audience. The young woman, the mother of two little girls named ‘izi and ‘uri’, recently shared a video addressing the sensitive subject of not being her child’s best friend. This seemingly innocuous publication raises important questions about parental roles and the importance of establishing healthy limits in the parent-child relationship for harmonious development.
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As a mom, Nika Diwa explained that she refused to let her daughter watch YouTube because of the inappropriate content for toddlers. Despite her child’s annoyance, Nika considers it her responsibility as an adult to protect him and to ensure his well-being. “You’re not supposed to be your child’s best friend, you’re supposed to be his parent,” she said in one of her videos. Nika Diwa also rightly pointed out that “Our role is not to please our children. Our role is to protect them and to love them “. This statement highlights perfectly the importance for parents to prioritize protection and unconditional love for their children rather than seeking at all costs to be loved by them.
Signs of toxic parenthood to watch closely
Alex Howard is the creator of therapeutic coaching. He is also the founder of The Optimum Health Clinic and Conscious Life, a prolific author and recognized influence. With a community of 60,200 Instagram followers and 175,500 followers on TikTok, Alex Howard shares his expertise through more than 1,077 publications on child trauma, child welfare and mental health, but also toxic parenting. “In a toxic parental relationship, the emotional needs of the child are often not met because the toxic parent is concerned about meeting his or her own needs,” he explains. It identifies three harmful habits that can lead to toxic parenting. Here they are.
First, we must understand that in a toxic parenting relationship, the parent places his or her own needs as a matter of priority, relegating the child’s feelings and experiences to the background. This self-centred attitude can lead to emotional imbalance in the child. Secondly, it is essential to realize that denying the child’s emotions when expressing them could be equated with a form of emotional violence. This invalidation of the child’s feelings can lead to long-term psychological problems. Handling the child’s perception by forcing him or her to adopt the parent’s point of view can be a form of emotional coercion. This practice may limit the child’s ability to develop his or her own identity and self-esteem. And finally, the lack of clear boundaries and educational framework can create a sense of insecurity among children, leaving them without sounds and structure. Healthy boundaries help to establish a safe environment for the child and promote emotional and social development. To avoid transmitting these toxic behaviors, it is crucial to step back and think carefully about one’s words and actions as a parent. This awareness makes it possible to cultivate a healthy and caring relationship with one’s child.
