Did you ever pause to ask yourself why we do the Weird parenting practices we do as parents?
Or maybe, why our society has come to accept these weird parenting practices as “right” ways of bringing up children?
In this article, we will be examining ten weird parenting practices that have been strangely normalized even though they may not always make any sense.
But, maybe it’s about time we pondered whether or not these so called norms actually serve the best interests of our children – if at all they are just customs that have taken root in us without much thought.
So let’s get started on some weird parenting practices and see how we can change course to bring up rounded individuals who are happy and healthy.
10 Weird Parenting Practices Our Society Accepts as Parenting
1. Using Technology as a Babysitter
We have all done it, let’s face it, we have handed over tablets or smartphones to our children in order to keep them entertained so that we could complete some chores or just have a break.
In the present age, it is nearly automatic that kids will spend a lot of time before screens.
While technology can offer educational content and save lives during those moments when everything seems to be falling apart.
However, why we cosider it as part of weird parenting practices because it is amazing how much we depend on it.
We often console ourselves by saying that “it’s only for a little while”, but those little whiles can pile up very quickly.
As they grow older, our children may miss out on invaluable experiences gained from interaction with their surroundings such as playing outside, using their imagination or just getting bored.
2. Over-Scheduling Kids’ Lives
The more activities you are able to jam into your child’s schedule, the better parent people think you are. Those weird parenting practices were taught to us as children and therefore we have consider it as normal.
Our children are always moving around; ballet on Mondays, piano lessons on Tuesdays and soccer practice on Wednesdays among others.
Somehow society has made us believe that busy children are successful children – is this really true?
When we plan every single minute of their day with programmed activities that allow no room for unstructured play which fosters creativity and independence.
Kids need time to explore and imagine things or even get bored because this is the moment when they learn how to entertain themselves and develop their own likes too.
Read More: What Is Snowplow Parenting | 5 Alarming Signs to Avoid
3. Rewarding Basic Manners
Remember when a simple “please” or “thank you” was expected, not rewarded? Nowadays, it’s common to see parents offering praise or even treats for basic manners.
To be exact, these are mere norms of polite conversation rather than anything extraordinary.
Positive reinforcement works but these weird parenting practices in our perception of such basic social skills as things that have to be induced.
When we teach children that they will get rewarded only because they did what is normally required, politeness turns into a transaction between kids instead of being an integral part of contact with others.
4. Treating Misbehavior with Sugar
How often have you seen a child calm down immediately after being handed a piece of candy or a cookie?
It’s almost a universal truth that sweets can turn a bad mood around in seconds. But it’s odd, isn’t it?
Regardless of the potential health risks involved, sugar has become acceptable as both a quick fix for misbehavior and reward for good behavior.
We may not know how this action program our children to associate food especially sweet stuffs with comfort and emotional ease. This may result in poor eating habits later on in life.
What else should we consider if not opening the jar containing candies?
Let the behaviors tell us something first before dealing with them so that emotional stability can last long term; we don’t want just silent kids but healthy ones too.
5. Pressure To Have the ‘Perfect’ Children
There is this unsaid thing that society expects us to rear top notch children— top in academics, sports, art, and so on.
We have all felt it at some point that feeling of our child needing to be the best in one thing or everything.
Yet these pressures can be overbearing for both us as parents and for our kids.
When we are too concerned about being perfect we risk missing out on what really matters; our child’s happiness, mental wellbeing, and individuality.
The competition can be considered as weird parenting practices as intense but let’s remember that our children are not like others they have their own strengths and weaknesses.
Read More: What Is Eggshell Parenting: 5 Alarming Effects Parents Must Know!
6. Comparing Milestones between Children
Comparing your child’s milestones to those of others almost comes naturally.
Whether it is walking, talking or reading there is always a question mark at the back of our minds whether my child is keeping up with the others.
This comparison game has been made by society almost an initiation test for parents but it brings about unnecessary anxiety.
The fact remains that every child grows differently and these milestones only account for a small part of their life record.
If we pay too much attention to making comparisons then we might fail to see how different and wonderful in their own way children are growing up around us.
7. Birthdays turned into Extravaganzas
Remember when birthdays used to be about cake, a few friends and simple games?
Nowadays, Children’s birthday parties have become huge affairs with themes ranging from superheroes to princesses, decorations and expensive gifts.
This is almost like planning a mini-wedding filled with all the stress and expenses that come with it. The society has somehow convinced us that when celebrating our children’s special days big is always better.
However, does it really make them happy? Or are we just trying to keep up with what is currently popular in the market?
It is essential for us not to forget that what our children cherish most is the time spent together rather than how extravagant the event turns out to be.
8. Parenting through Social Media
In today’s digital era, we have almost made it a norm to broadcast every single moment of our child’s life on social media.
Nothing seems too small to post from their first steps as toddlers right up until here latest school project.
But have we ever stopped to think about the long-term impact of this constant sharing?
Although parenting through social media has become common it raises severe concerns regarding privacy and psychological effects associated with growing under digital limelight.
Our kids are being documented differently from previous generations did and how this will affect them as they age must be considered.
Are we doing these weird parenting practices for their good or our concern lies on the likes and comments we will receive along these lines?
Let’s consider carefully what we reveal because certain moments should be private rather than publicized globally.
9. Parenting a la Helicopters
Most people have heard the term “helicopter parenting,” and many of us do it without even knowing that we are doing it.
We sit over our children, waiting to pounce at the first sign of a problem as if they will never get into trouble or fail in life, trying to manage every aspect of their lives so as to keep them safe and successful.
However, this kind of surveillance can impede the growth of our kids, albeit out of love.
When we don’t let them experience failure or face challenges on their own, we prevent them from growing resilient and enhancing problem-solving skills.
What’s more, it is an odd cultural norm that appears to place safety ahead of independence.
10. Too Much Focus on Academics
Education cannot be denied its significance; however, society’s obsession with academic achievement can be overwhelming. Children are pushed from early years to perform well in school irrespective of other talents or areas of interest.
We consider these weird parenting practices because it is almost as if success in academics were the only way one could succeed and anything else would mean failure.
What about emotional intelligence? Creative outlets? Socializing skills? These are equally important for helping our children move through life successfully and build meaningful existence.
Success isn’t just grades—it’s molding well-rounded individuals who are happy, fulfilled while also contributing to society in unique ways.
Read More: What Is Attachment Parenting: Pros, Cons, And 7 Must-Know Tips For Parents!
A Word From Mind Family
Parenting is a journey filled with love, challenges, and the desire to do what’s best for our children. However, as we’ve explored, some of the weird parenting practices we’ve come to accept might not align with what truly benefits our kids.
At Mind Family, we believe that parenting should be about nurturing our children’s individuality, encouraging their creativity, and fostering a healthy balance in their lives.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all in parenting. We’re all learning and growing alongside our children, and that’s perfectly okay. We’re here to support you on this incredible journey, helping you navigate the complexities of modern parenting with wisdom and heart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why shouldn’t we use technology as a babysitter?
It can limit children’s creativity and social interaction.
2. Why is over-scheduling kids’ live considered as weird parenting practices?
It leaves little time for unstructured play and self-discovery.
3. Should we reward kids for basic manners?
No, manners should be expected, not rewarded with treats.
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