Reasons Why Co-dependent Parenting Is Harmful For Children

All parents want to give good care to their child but sometimes their small mistake or habit also affects the child. Yes, there are many ways of parenting, including the child being dependent on the parents for every decision or situation. This is called codependent parenting.

It means being emotionally dependent on each other in a relationship. It also affects the relationship between children and parents. For example, when parents start interfering in the child's personal life or habits, then it starts affecting the child.

How do parents' dreams affect the child?

It is normal for children to have parents and parents to depend on each other for some work, but sometimes this situation takes serious shape when children sacrifice their wishes for the happiness of the parents . However, due to this, the child's own happiness, goals and identity are left behind. Below we are giving you some symptoms of this condition.

I'm never wrong

Usually every child gets to hear that his parents are right and he is wrong. Whatever they do, they will do it for the good of their child. Any disagreement is considered against the parents.

To control the Child

During many situations or arguments, parents start crying or screaming for fear of losing control so that the child does not say anything to them. It needs to keep the child under its control. Most parents want to keep their child under control. Such parents get angry until their child says yes. Often parents shout at their child to control them or stop talking to them. This situation has an adverse effect on children, but parents have to control their child, in whose circle they scold or otherwise handle children.

Impact of a Parent’s Codependency on Children

Relationships with people who are codependent can be emotionally draining, abusive at times and ultimately destructive. A codependent parent-child relationship can have a lasting negative impact on the child in terms of mental health, emotional intelligence and relationships as an adult.

Parents and guardians play a critical role in the mental and emotional development of children as children pick up their behaviors and develop as individuals. One of the effects of a codependent parent is that children learn codependent behaviors and mimic them in all the relationships they have as adults. The feeling of inadequacy and insecurities can quickly become part of their nature and affect them mentally and emotionally.

Tips to Overcome the Codependent Parenting Issues

1. Seek professional help.

If you are unable to resolve your codependency issue or you are unsure where to begin from, seeking a professional counsellor is the best option. The therapy sessions can help you understand or even resolve past relationship problems and consequently decrease your dependency.

2. Have respectful and open communication.

If you are in the habit of lashing out on your children when things don’t go your way, it is essential that you learn how to maintain your composure even when feelings of insecurity are strong. Have open communication with honesty and without manipulation with your children to break the outburst cycles.

3. Convey positive intentions.

Make it a habit to let your children know that their value doesn’t come from always pleasing you or other people. They need to know that love and respect are reciprocative and unconditional. Apologize if you overstep your boundaries and make amendments to not repeat your abusive behaviour.

4. Avoid micromanagement.

Although it might be tempting to intervene in your children’s activities, give them the freedom and opportunity to face their challenges, make mistakes and learn from it in an age-appropriate manner. Manage your own anxiety and make it a habit to let go of trivial things.

5. Focus on self-care.

Satisfy your own emotional needs in healthy ways and spend time caring for yourself and building up your self-esteem instead of depending on your child for all of it. Engage in positive self-talk and activities that broaden your perspective.
Codependent parenting can leave lasting emotional scars for children and affect their relationships as adults. People who are codependent can do better by seeking professional help on how to manage themselves better as parents and not burden their children with being responsible for their well being.