I know a lot of people will agree with me when I say parents nowadays are full of crap. That because they experienced having kids, they automatically assume they know everything about parenting. Some of them persuade themselves that they are good enough because they thought they learned things the hard way. With that, there is no point in telling them what to do. That is especially when you, yourself, do not have any child. It is as if you have no right to make a comment or suggestion about their parenting styles because you are not qualified to say anything to them. And even if you are right, your words will never mean a thing. These individuals validate their parenting skills because of the circumstance that it is their children, not yours.
So what makes these parents a pain in the ass? Well, one point matters. Even if they think all are the best in what they do, they also make mistakes. Not because they are parents, it does not mean they are entitled to be always on top. And not because they believe they are the rules, it does not give them the right to shut down people’s perception towards appropriate parenting that does not correspond to their beliefs.
Feeling Entitled
A lot of parents often feel entitled. That is because they think that their duties and responsibilities are creating a good impression. That because they handle their kids differently, people should not interfere with that. Well, honestly, they have a point. No one has the right to question someone on how they should and should not raise their children. However, if the type of parenting styles are not helpful at all, anybody can express their thoughts on that. These parents should not have to feel entitled to do whatever they want with their kids just because it is theirs. They should not lock their minds on a particular idea that they are the ones that should control everything regardless if their ways are hurting their kids or not. Kristen Eastman, PsyD said, “When these things pop up, I encourage parents to try to listen first and validate their child’s experience.”
Parents commit mistakes too. But because they are parents, they think they have a hall pass on their inappropriate behavior towards their kids. These individuals sometimes knew there is something wrong with how they handle things but are too quick to ignore them. And even if the children complaints about their inappropriate behavior, there is no chance of acknowledging it because of the belief that parents always know what is best. No, they do not. Parenting is an ongoing process, and though there are a lot of ways and differences in handling it, it all comes down to one purpose. That is to serve the best interest of the kids’ emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing. Because “When a child’s social and emotional issues and psychological distress are left untreated, it can negatively impact his/her educational aspirations and developmental milestones.” Dr. R. Y. Langham, Ph.D. explains.
If parents do not acknowledge their mistakes, they will never realize the sole importance of their role in every child’s development. If they insist on knowing things only because they are parents, they will never fulfill the duty of becoming a responsible one. “Focus more on how your children make progress by comparing them to themselves—if they are progressing each day, each week, each month, that’s what really matters. Every day try to find a small win.” A reminder from Jaclyn Shlisky, Psy.D.