The Myths of Parenting

Myth of Greener Pastures
It will get easier to guide and train my child as he gets older and can understand more about what's right and wrong.

Myth of Neutrality
I'm going to let my child choose for himself about God and spiritual things. I want him to be open-minded.

Myth of Mixed Messages
What I teach or instruct my child to do is most important, even if he sees me acting differently. ("Don't do as I do, do as I say.")

Myth of Early Is Better
I want my child to be in soccer (dance, martial arts...) as early as he wants. He is begging me to join... I have to keep him busy

Myth of Destroying the Spirit
It's OK to punish, lecture & threaten my child (especially in front of other children or adults) because it shows I am in control. After all, how else will he learn good behavior?

The Blind Myth
If I ignore it, it will go away. He will grow out of it. I am just too tired to deal with it.

The Cornucopia Myth
I must give my child everything he wants, as soon as he wants it or I am depriving him in some way, or he may think I don't love him. "Things" are what gets him to do what I say.

The Myth of Who Is In Charge
I will usually give in to my child's request, after all, he may resent my authority or he may do something rash that may be embarrassing to me. I don't know how to get him to listen!

The Freedom Myth
I want my child to have freedom to explore and make his own choices. I don't believe in creating boundaries for him. He doesn't listen to me very well, anyway.

Best Friends Forever Myth
My child is my best friend. My happiness depends on him. I do everything for him and he needs me around him to succeed.

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Myths can be realities for families that have never thought through the implications of some habits and practices that have become deeply ingrained in their minds and hearts. Some of these myths have been handed down from parents or grandparents. These myths have the potential to destroy the hopes and dreams you have for your child. Consider carefully if you are practicing one or more of these myths in your relationship with children

©Karin Klein, Ed. D.