17 Things Children Don’t Want From Parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

1. Don’t spoil me. I know quite well that I ought not have all I ask for. I’m only testing you.
2. Don’t be afraid to be firm with me. I prefer it. It lets me know where I stand.
3. Don’t use force with me. It teaches me that power is all that counts. I will respond more readily to being led.
4. Don’t be inconsistent. That confuses me and makes me try harder to get away with everything I can.
5. Don’t be too upset when I say “I hate you.” I don’t mean it, but I want you to feel sorry for what you have done to me.
6. Don’t do things for me that I can do for myself. It makes me feel like a baby and I may continue to put you in my service.
7. Don’t correct me in front of people. I’ll take much more notice if you talk quietly with me in private.
8. Don’t try to discuss my behavior in the heat of a conflict. For some reason my hearing is not very good at this time and cooperation is even worse. It is alright to take the action required, but let’s not talk about it until later.
9. Don’t make me feel like my mistakes are sins. I have to learn to make mistakes without feeling that I am no good.
10. Don’t nag. If you do, I shall have to protect myself by appearing deaf.
11. Don’t demand explanations for my wrong behavior. I really don’t know why I did it.
12. Don’t protect me from the consequences. I need to learn from experience.
13. Don’t take too much notice of my small ailments. I may learn to enjoy poor health if it gets me much attention.
14. Don’t put me off when I ask HONEST questions. If you do, you will find that I stop asking and seek my information elsewhere.
15. Don’t worry about the little time we spend together. It is how we spend it that counts.
16. Don’t let my fears arouse your anxiety. Then I will become more afraid. Show me courage.
17. Don’t make promises; you may not be able to keep them. That will discourage my trust in you.

Parenting

Rules without relationship = Rebellion

Relationship without Rules = Chaos

Relationship + Rules = Respect and Responsibility

Warm Regards,

Gina McKee

Gina McKee is a yoga enthusiast, movie buff, and a firm believer in the MindBody connection. Her app, Chai Pro-Insight to go, is available from Amazon, ITunes and Google Play. She also has a private practice in O’Fallon, Il. specializing in counseling women and children of all ages.

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