7 Popular Myths about Parenting That Aren't True ...

By Corina

There are a lot of myths about parenting that aren’t true. Since there are so many prescriptions for good parenting nowadays (it seems like there’s a new trend every week about the best way to raise your child), it’s easy to become frustrated and confused if you are a young first-time parent. Those common myths about what it takes to be a good parent both inspire and overwhelm most people. All those theories and societal pressures have actually created a lot of stress and anxiety for parents, so it’s time to clear up some misguided notions about good and bad parenting. Here are 7 popular myths about parenting that aren’t true, all of which you should consider:

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1

Parenting Has to Be Stressful and Chaotic

This is one of the most common and most popular myths about parenting that aren’t true. The media nowadays seems to be sending this message, since we can see images of exhausted and overwhelmed parents everywhere. Parenting doesn't have to be this way; if you learn certain tricks and develop some new skills, you will manage to live your life as a new parent more peacefully.

2

You Have to Parent Perfectly so Your Kids Will Turn out Okay

This is definitely one of the most popular myths about parenting that aren’t true. You don’t have to be the perfect parent in order for your kids to turn out okay. There is no such thing as a perfect parent. Your parents did make some mistakes but you still turned out amazing, so try not to put so much pressure on yourself and simply enjoy your new role as a parent.

3

You Have to Love Playing with Your Child

If you don’t like pretending you’re an alien, exotic creature or a princess and if you don’t like playing choo-choo train with your kid, this doesn’t make you a bad parent. It’s very important to spend quality time with your child but you don’t have to feel guilty if you don’t like all the games they like to play. After all, children and adults play very differently. Just choose something you love to do and share it with your little one.

4

If Your Kids Aren’t Happy, Something is Very Wrong

Most parents think that if their kids are not happy, then something must be very wrong and this is definitely their fault. Well, clinical psychologists say that it’s normal and healthy for kids to feel lots of highs and lows, since this “is much richer and real than a monochromatic ‘happy’ life.”

5

Parents Shouldn’t Tell Their Kids No

This is for sure one of those parenting myths that are very popular and that couldn’t be more false. Some people believe that saying no to kids is too harsh and potentially damaging. Well, you should know that if you want your kids to grow up in a healthy environment, then you should establish some rules and sometimes, you should say no to them. By setting limits, you can teach your kids some new skills and you will also help them to feel safe.

Famous Quotes

Meaning is not what you start with but what you end up with.

Peter Elbow
6

Good Parenting is about Good Strategies

Good parenting is not about good strategies, since there is no recipe for becoming the perfect parent. Psychologists say that instead of applying a particular parenting strategy, a parent should pay more attention to their mindset: how they think, how they feel and how they interact with the world. A lot of studies show that self-confident parents tend to raise self-confident kids and parents who have healthy relationships tend to raise kids who have healthy relationships.

7

Good Parents Put Their Kids’ Needs First

A lot of parents tend to neglect their own needs and sometimes even their marriage because they think that they should dedicate themselves 100% to raising their kids. Don’t ignore your own needs and don’t forget about the things you love! Even though parenting can be consuming sometimes, make sure that you spend some time every now and then doing the things you love.

Being a parent can be difficult sometimes, but if you have patience and if you take it easy, you will be able to discover the fun part of it. Do you know any other popular myths about parenting that aren’t true? Please tell us about them in the comments section!

Sources: psychcentral.com, psychcentral.com, lifehack.org

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Good on you Chelsea, I love hearing stuff like that. This was an interesting read, I'm going to be working in Childcare soon after my studies - although I've decided with my man that we're not having kids due to personal reasons. Totally agree about the right mindset and strategies, I think that's really important!

Good parents do put their children's needs first. However, you can not expect to be miserable and raise a happy child. I have sacrificed a lot for my little girl but that doesn't mean I'm miserable. I'm rather content with doing everything in my power to make sure she is happy, healthy and is stable.

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