Parenting and Society's Social Problems

Poor parenting skills can cause an assortment of emotional and behavioral problems with young children that will have an effect on their elementary school, middle school and high school performances as well as their well-being as they grow into adulthood.

Poor parents include those who fail to connect with their children. Some don't because they don't know how, others because they don't care and still others because they are too busy doing things they feel are more important. Of course, there are others still who are busy trying to exist, sometimes working two jobs and trying to raise their children as best they can.

For those parents who could make the time, putting their children in front of the t.v., not limiting their screen times, who don't wish to do anything their children want to do, have no interest in what their children are interested in, who scream, hit and humiliate their children; this is dysfunction. They are not being a loving parent. Poor parenting causes problems within the school system and can cause substance abuse in their children as early as their young teenage years.

Negative and poor parenting includes spoiling children. They should not have everything they want. They should realize that there are limits and boundaries. Also emotional abuse will affect their self-esteem and is as bad as physical abuse except that it doesn't show as bruises on the body. But its affects will last a lifetime.

Allowing bad behavior in young children in effect encourages and reinforces their behavior if they are not given proper guidelines to follow. This can cause bullying behavior in children as young as two or three years old. Bad behavior in young children can only be placed at the feet of their parents. In most cases the child has been neglected, badly treated or no boundaries have been set although they may have in their possession every material possession they could possibly want. Oftentimes parents whose children display unacceptable behavior have not given firm boundaries and do not discourage their children's poor behavior.

How can you be a good parent to your children? The following are some of the ways to do it:

- respect your child and show them at all times that you love them;
- with respect and fairness;
- expect respect in return and teach polite behavior;
- teach by example – be a good role model for your children by action and words;
- help your children to be responsible;
- help them to develop good self-esteem and confidence;
- give praise when they have done a good job or at least have tried their best;
- laugh and have fun with your children;
- help them make good choices;
- encourage their unique interests, i.e.: a talent in art, music or sports;
- ensure that rules are fair;
- don't stint on the hugs and kisses and tell your children often that you love them.

Some suggest that the children of single parent families are the cause of the far-reaching problems with children and society. I suggest that poor parenting skills are not limited to single parent families. But whether we're a single parent or not, good parenting skills can be had by all with a little effort and a lot of love.