There are several ways in which parents bullying their kids. Some of these methods may be intentional, while others are unintentional. Either way, if you notice signs of bullying in you as a parent, it is essential that you stop immediately. Children that are victims of bullying parents face adverse effects. These effects can cause trauma if not dealt with properly. Are you a bullying parent? Here are some signs that show if you are one.
Bullying Through Physical Means
Sometimes, parents use physical methods to train their children. When children do not listen to them, instead of using positive discipline methods, parents use harsher techniques.
Hurting your child physically in any form comes under physical bullying. It may be spanking your child, slapping them, any form of hitting or beating. Sometimes parents push their children and pull their child’s hair; even these are ways of physical bullying.
Extreme cases such as kicking your child, pinching them, furiously throwing objects at them are a part of physical bullying. Some parents may even deny giving food to their children as a method of punishment. However, any of these methods can have tremendous negative effects on your child, both mentally and physically
Bullying Through Emotional Means
When children do not listen to their parents or show bad behaviors, sometimes parents show signs of aggressive bullying. These signs can also be a part of emotionally bullying a child. They may instill fear in your child’s brain and make them feel embarrassed.
The signs of aggressive bullying parents include threatening to force their child to do something they do not want to. Calling them names and teasing them beyond a limit, using foul language, publicly humiliating, and insulting the child are some examples.
Sometimes parents scold and shout at their kids, which is entirely okay. However, continuous shouting at your child beyond their holding capacity turns into a form of bullying. These are direct forms of bullying that may affect a child’s mental balance.
Bullying Using Negations
Sometimes, parents bring too many negations in their child’s life, which eventually leads to bullying. Negativity is not suitable for any human; in fact, children are more sensitive than adults and are affected more by negative statements. When these negations become a constant thing, it may turn into bullying
Negations include passing negative comments on your child’s preferences; it may be demotivating comments regarding their skills and negative gender-related comments. Sometimes, people as individuals may be opinionated, especially when it comes to their children.
However, as parents, you need to respect their decisions and preferences. You can tell them your point of view but criticize and second-guessing all of their movements may start affecting them. As a result, your child may lack self-confidence and trust in themselves.
Bullying Due To Social Malpractices
Sometimes, you may let society’s malpractices get the better of you. As individuals, we are so much into the foul society that we do not realize it when we become a part of it. More than that, we sometimes fail to understand how we pull our children into it.
A classic example of this can be body shaming. Parents may pass these comments out of concern or for their children to lead healthier lifestyles. However, you need to remember the phrase’ words cut deeper than the knife. Constant body shaming can really affect your child’s mind.
Continuously criticizing your child for their faults or lack of skills is another form of bullying. Telling your child that they are unwanted, making them feel less loved are some other examples of bullying. Sometimes you may say these things out of anger but constantly saying it and showing it in your actions turns into bullying.
Even when you say any of these things out of anger, you need to sit with your child, apologize, talk it out and avoid repeating these actions again.
Parenting is not a course. No one can teach someone to be the perfect parent. What you as parents can do is not repeat your mistakes and learn from them. If their parents bully children, how can they trust any other person on this earth? You need to reflect upon your own actions and make amends where necessary. When you do more good deeds than evil ones, your children are bound to forgive you for the bullying that you might have done in the past.