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Childrens minds are as sensitive as their bodies. They are impressionable and highly dependent on their parents for love, affection, and security. As grownups, if we say or hear something that is emotionally hurtful, we are better adept at analyzing the situation and forgiving or forgetting it. Children, on the other hand, are not capable of such judgment and it is highly likely that they will take such statements much more seriously which could have potentially devastating effects on their minds and perceptions of the world and themselves.
It doesnt need to be a parents intention to hurt the child. It might be spur of the moment statement but for the child, it could be much worse. It is not unusual to see parents getting angry at something their child has done during their outdoor play time. Perhaps they spoiled some playground structures or got hurt while playing despite being repeatedly told not to go near the bard wire etc. whatever the reason parents need to be careful of their words and actions towards children. Here are some of the statements that parents must avoid at all costs.
Your Sibling Is Better
Having a little healthy competition between siblings is not a bad thing, but it should never be born out of a sense of hostility or parents favoritism. While the kids could compete and try to outperform each other, such a statement coming from a parent could seriously hurt a child and make him shut out from the world as well as from parents. It could also harm his self-esteem and create rivalry or hatred between siblings.
Drop It Or Move On
While for elders it might be a simple statement telling the child to get over some petty issue, it is important to realize that for the child it is not as little a problem as it might appear to parents. Telling the child to get over something could potentially make him feel like his feelings are not being understood or that he is being belittled for having any such feelings. Either way, it is not good for the parent-child relationship and could also lead to feelings of grief for the little one.
Get Out Or Shut Up Or Any Form Of Yelling
Parents keep telling their children to be respectful and polite but more often than not they dont realize that they are setting an exact example in front of them by yelling or shouting at them. Avoid any such statement which could frighten the child and make him less willing to talk or share his feelings with you. It will not only lead the child to become insolent but will also make it much harder for you to communicate with him in the future. Besides, yelling at kids is never appropriate no matter what the circumstances are.
Are You Insane?
Such a statement might come as a natural response to something silly that the child might have done. The fact is that little minds are not as sharp in observing and comprehending things as the adult minds are. Besides, children are not very adept at understanding sarcasm and such type of conversation can leave them hurt and confused. They might also feel that they are being scolded unfairly because to them what they have done made perfect sense. Make sure never to use such reactionary words to your little ones.
I Shouldnt Have Had Kids In The First Place
Such words or anything like this could spell disaster for the child. While you might just be venting your feelings, these words could pierce deep into a childs heart and make them feel unloved and unwanted. It is extremely important to note that children need love and affection as much as they need food and water. Therefore it must be parents top priority to not do or say anything that potentially makes the child feel deprived of love.
