How to Ruin Your Child (in 8 Easy Ways)

Parenting isn’t easy. Still, as complex as it is, its reward and satisfaction are unparalleled—if done right. Yes, if done right, it can be one of the most significant contributions one can make in life. So, to help NCA parents, I put together a snarky list titled, “How to Ruin Your Child.” It’s a “jab” at this serious topic, and I hope you enjoy it and learn a few things.

1. Be a helicopter mom/dad  Always hover around your child, with your eyes glued to the child’s every deed and need. Be ready to step in at any time to solve the child’s social, emotional, peer, and academic problems.

   
   

   

2. Compare your child with others Measure your child’s successes or failures against those of siblings, cousins, friends, and others—this is a sure way to build up resentment, jealousy, and low self-esteem!
   

3. Indulge your child Give your child everything she wants! After all, don’t you want her to have a “good life,” or at least a “better life” than you did? There’s no need to foster a sense of responsibility or appreciation for hard work! Make life easy for her! You even get to instill a sense of entitlement in your child! Boy, others will love being around her!
   

4. Blame others When something bad happens, you know it’s never your child’s fault. It’s always those mean bullies, snotty classmates, unfair teachers, uncaring administrators, rude neighbors, un-Christian-like church friends, etc. Your child is perfect! He’s an angel! So, keep on blaming others. It’s always someone else's fault!

6. Set unrealistically high expectations Sure, there will be undue stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy, but goals are meant to be high and lofty, right? So, tell your child to become the next POTUS, get into Harvard, become a doctor (or a lawyer, an engineer, etc.), etc. Why concern yourself with the child’s God-given interest or passion? You know better, right? Just steer your child to the goals you want for him!
   

7. Have no plans or standards If you’re in a good mood, give your child gifts, treat her to special foods, and even give her money and toys. But, if you’re in a bad mood, lash out, give time-outs, and take away privileges! Inconsistent rules or discipline can confuse children and cause them to struggle with authority and boundaries, but hey, you’re only human after all! You can ask for forgiveness later. You know what they say: “Que sera, sera!” Just go with the flow!
   

8. Abuse your child physically and emotionally Your child can be pesky and bratty. He can ruin your day, for sure! So, use your adult power to press him down. Of course, psychologists say that emotional or physical abuse can impede a child’s development and even cause feelings of worthlessness or abandonment. But, what do they know? You know your child better than anyone else, so go ahead and do what makes you feel right, better, and righteous. 
   

Parents, please understand that we can—and should—do better. Let’s make efforts to raise our children by steering away from the awful ways listed above. You got this!