10 Uncomfortable Things Parents Unknowingly Do to Their Children (You Have To Know!)
- divorceresolution8
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 8
Parents usually mean well, but sometimes, in the name of love or “what’s best,” they cross lines that deeply affect a child’s confidence, boundaries, and sense of self. These uncomfortable behaviors are often brushed off as “normal” parenting, but they can have long-term emotional consequences.
Let’s unpack 10 of these habits and explore healthier alternatives.
1. Ignoring Their Need for Privacy
Your child may feel: Violated, embarrassed, and without a space that truly feels like their own.
Practical tips:
Knock and wait before entering their room.
Don’t go through their phone, notebooks, drawers, letters, unless there’s a real safety concern, and explain why if you must.
Say: “I trust you, and your room is your space. I’ll always knock.”
2. Taking Things Without Asking
Your child may feel: Disrespected, like their belongings don’t matter.
Practical tips:
Ask before borrowing anything, even snacks or money.
Treat their things the same way you’d want yours treated.
Say: “Hey, is it okay if I use this?” instead of assuming.
3. Bragging About Them Like a Trophy
Your child may feel: Used, like their value is tied to achievement, not who they are.
Practical tips:
Ask them first before posting or sharing anything about them.
Celebrate privately with them instead of publicly for others.
Say: “I’m proud of you. Is it okay if I share this with family or online?”
4. Oversharing Their Personal Info
Your child may feel: Exposed, embarrassed, and less likely to trust you with personal stuff.
Practical tips:
Don’t share their stories unless you’ve asked.
Keep their emotional moments between you and them.
Say: “That’s your story to share, not mine. I’ll keep it private.”
5. Controlling Their Friendships or Interests
Your child may feel: Unheard, like their choices aren’t good enough.
Practical tips:
Ask why they like certain friends or hobbies before explaining your point of view.
Set safety boundaries and guidelines, but give them freedom to choose.
Say: “Help me understand why this matters to you.”
6. Using Guilt to Get Them to Obey
Your child may feel: Burdened, responsible for your emotions, or constantly “not enough.”
Practical tips:
Use “I” statements to express your needs without blame.
Avoid phrases like “After all I do for you...”
Say: “I’d love your help. Can we talk about how to work together on this?”
7. Comparing Them to Others
Your child may feel: Inadequate, like they’re failing even when they’re trying.
Practical tips:
Avoid comparing them to siblings, cousins, or classmates.
Focus on their effort and improvement.
Say: “You’ve grown so much in this area. Let’s build on that.”
8. Dismissing Their Emotions
Your child may feel: Ashamed for feeling things deeply or unsafe sharing their feelings.
Practical tips:
Listen without jumping to fix or minimize.
Validate their feelings before offering advice.
Say: “That sounds hard. I’m here, do you want to talk about it or just need a hug?”
9. Forcing Physical Affection
Your child may feel: Uncomfortable, pressured, or disconnected from their own boundaries.
Practical tips:
Give them options: wave, high-five, patting on the head, or hug.
Support their “no” without guilt.
Say: “You don’t have to hug anyone if you don’t want to. Just be yourself.”
10. Projecting Your Own Fears or Dreams
Your child may feel: Unseen, like their goals aren’t valid unless they match yours.
Practical tips:
Ask them what they truly enjoy, even if it’s completely different from what you hoped.
Be curious about their dreams without pushing your own. Listen more.
Say: “What do you want? I’ll support you in finding your way.”
Final Thought:
Your child isn’t just watching what you say, they’re feeling how you treat them. Respect, empathy, and small adjustments can go a long way in building trust and emotional safety.
Written with Passion by: HappierHomes Admin
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