Avoiding Parenting Mistakes - Tips on Building Your Kids' Self Esteem

There are certain behaviors you want to avoid as a parent, in order to raise your child in a happy and emotionally healthy home. Here are some forms of mistreatment, whether intentional or not, that must be dealt with, if present in your family, to avoid abusive behavior. Abuse hurts, and the pain lingers. The child tries to justify and fix things, and many times will blame his or herself for what happened, when it wasn't their fault at all. I am a survivor of family issues but there is always a "hole" left in my heart, from having to make up for important behaviors (consistency, peace, acceptance) missing from those I love the most. Learn from what I went through.

Resentment

It's hard being a parent, but for some, it's just plain inconvenient. They didn't really want the child, and try to hide it, but trust me - the child will know. It comes through in different ways, but the resentment does show itself if not dealt with professionally. If you harbor feelings of resentment towards your child over an unwanted pregnancy, please seek therapy because without it, you may show that frustration or anger towards your child unknowingly. It's like a knife in the heart. Kids don't need that sort of pain, which lingers into adulthood. So, nip those feelings in the bud by working through it with a kind and caring family therapist. It won't hurt to check it out, and there are community programs for those with limited incomes. Some charge nothing or a minimal amount on a sliding scale fee.

Self Absorption