10 Mistakes Most Parents Regret Making (2024)

Asmall child that quickly grows from ababy toarelatively self-sufficient person really needs constant contact with adults. But the truthis, parents need this communication aswell. Yes, there isless free time and it’s okay ifamother does something while her child isplaying games. But ifyou turn this into ahabit, atsome point, you might notice that your child has grown upalready and isliving their own life.

There isnoway tobring back the time you lost, sotry tobenot only physically close toyour child, but also mentally close with them. Enjoy the time you spend together.

Scientists have proven the importance ofhugs for health (for both moral and physical health). There are alot ofobvious advantages, but you will probably agree that it’s just nice tohug your own baby. Sometimes, parents don’t dothis for different reasons and most ofthem are fallacies oroutdated (like with advice telling mothers, “don’t hold them for too long, they’ll get used toit...”).

Over time, the child will grow upand won’t let you hug them. Sosavor these moments while you still can.

Ofcourse, nothing bad will happen ifyou don’t take photos. Itwon’t impact the child’s mental state, their moral qualities, ortheir physical health. But itisvery likely that inthe future, you will want toremember some ofthe most valuable moments ofyour life and share these emotions with your adult children. Many parents really regret not using acamera more when they should have.

You will never watch the recording ofafireworks show but you will definitely want tosee (more than once) the first steps your baby takes. And photo albums (despite having all the devices and technology wehave today) are still the best and the most reliable way tokeep the important photos.

We’re not saying that ifyou play creative games with your child, they will definitely become agreat artist oramusician. But there’s achance. First, ifyou involve your child inalot ofdifferent activities, you can find out what they have aninterest inand what they’re goodat. Later you can work ondeveloping their strengths. Second, any kind ofactivity, for example, reading out loud tothem orplaying with playdough and toys with them develops their intelligence, imagination, and increases their vocabulary. Finally, you make the connection between you and your child stronger, and this alone isagood enough reason todosomething together.

Experienced parents often regret not having noticed the talents oftheir children, even though some abilities can benoticed atavery young age. Offer your child the chance totry out different games and read asmuch aspossible.

It’s one thing totell someone off for abad thing they did and it’s completely different tostart nitpicking. There’s apopular myth that the higher the expectations are, the more successful the person becomes. But inreality, you can actually get the opposite effect: behavioral problems and even development issues. And, ofcourse, one ofthe downsides could beapoor relationship with your children.

Punishments for bad grades are also harmful— they can only decrease their overall success inschool. Punish and reward your children only for the things that really matter. An“F” and abroken cup have never made anyone unhappy.

There’s something about the number oftimes you’ve heard phrases like, “You’re too young todecide,” or“Adults know better,” and the fact that it’s unpleasant tohear something like this. But offending your child isnot the worst thing that happens inthis instance. Children whose opinion was often neglected may grow uptobeinsecure. Itactually makes perfect sense: how can you know what you want from life ifthere was always someone who made all the decisions for you?

Let your child choose and express their own opinion. It’s better todiscuss their wishes and explain things, than toignore and limit them.

Good memories from our childhood are the most valuable things that nobody can take away fromus. More than that, small vacations can turn into bigger accomplishments later: ifachild isgrowing inahealthy atmosphere and has alot ofnew experiences, itmeans that they are actively developing. Happy children find iteasier toadapt toadult life and start new relationships.

Parents are also often nostalgic about the time they spent together. So, enjoy itand think about how tomake your life more interesting. Make sure your child has asmany happy moments intheir life aspossible.

There are people who love giving advice, even ifit’s inappropriate and young mothers often listen tothem. When you see these “experts,” you will hear alot ofinformation onhow todress, feed, and educate your child better. But the truthis, you are the parent and you know better than anyone else what isgood for your child and what isnot. Ofcourse, you can listen tothese pieces ofadvice, but itdoesn’t mean you have tofollow them.

And another thing, you should not let strangers tell your child off for being naughty. You should always take your child’s side and make them feel like you support them nomatter what. When they need support, they should always beable tocount onyou.

Some things that don’t seem serious tous, may bereally serious toour children. And all people (especially children) need tohave someone close tothem atmoments like these. Even ifitseems like you have agood reason tomiss your child’s birthday party, try notto. Inthe future, you will besorry when you realize how many important events you have missed.

Choose atime todecorate the Christmas tree, gotothe theater, orvisit your grandmother together. All these things are important. And when children growup, you will miss these moments.