The father is the head of the family and he is expected to be the main provider. Being a father means a big responsibility because they have to keep the good harmony and respect between all members.
As a father, you have to be a positive person but in reality this doesn't always happen. A good father should be the best example to their children, but sometimes a good father also loses control.
In parenting guides, we usually hear positive things that a father should do but what about those things that a father should not do or avoid? Here are four big mistakes that fathers could be doing unknowingly to their children:
1. Yelling at your child with negative gestures
Most fathers are stressed and exhausted because of work. Stress can make you a hot-tempered person and it is likely that you yell at your kids when they make mistakes. With the angry tone and the look of your angry face, they feel a great fear. This has negative long-term effects on children. According to LiveStrong, children who are yelled during their childhood grow to be less confident because they fear that they are not worthy individuals and they struggle in developing friendship with other kids because of fear.
2. You often say "No" and rarely say "Yes."
Saying "No" too much can lead kids to frustration and sometimes rebellion as posted by Parents page. Instead of saying no, try to explain or express it in a short and concise phrase so that they would understand why it should not be done.
3. Being an authoritarian and not authoritative
Being an authoritarian father means that they set rules that should be followed and respected by their children or else, there will be punishment or their children will face consequences from their father. Compared to authoritarian parenting is authoritative parenting which is a more positive way. If you are an authoritative parent, you set rules but you are considering the needs of your children. You are giving them a chance to be heard than being punished right away. Children raised with authoritative parents will grow with high self-esteem and less prone to depression according to Enlightenme.
4. Insulting your child
This is a big no. There are fathers who are strict in their nature but this doesn't give them the right to insult their child. Calling your child negative words like stupid or lazy will make them less confident and irresponsible. Your personality will likely reflect on them so be careful in criticizing your child.
A good father respects and hears the needs of their children. If you want your child to grow as a good person, you should start it with good and proper parenting style.
