When Parents Yield Too Much Power
Our October issues outlines the problems with being a pushover parent. But there is a flip side.
At the opposite extreme from the pushover parenting style, overly domineering parents exert excessive power and control over their children, with the following harmful results:
- Using disrespectful intimidation, bullying tactics, and insufficient empathy only provokes more power struggles with children and spurs rebellion against authority figures.
- Instead of learning respect, cooperation, and self-control, children of domineering parents focus on not getting caught.
- An intimidating parenting style instills fear, hurt, and shame, and stunts the desire for learning and achievement.
I'm sure you're heard stories from many people about how a verbally or physically abusive parent has affected their life and how they view themself. Disciplining your children is right and godly ... but sometimes it's hard not to cross the line into unloving and hurtful parenting.
How do you keep a balance in your parenting style? Can you be firm without being a pushover and discipline without being cruel?
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons. Click on photo for source.
Comments (1)
it's all about love. if i dont have love I am just a resounding gong or symbol. there are times when I do need to control a situation in my kids lives. If I am w/ out love...it begets less influence in my kids lives. if I control w/ love it begets more influence in my kids lives
Posted on September 29, 2011 8:34 AM