Parenting Archives

Technology Addiction in Youth: How Adults Can Prevent It

A young teenage boy looking at his phone in the classroom as a representation of technology addiction in youth

Is technology addiction in youth something we should be concerned about? Why are children more susceptible to addiction? Children and young people are especially vulnerable to addiction because they haven’t yet developed the adult capacity for self-control. Addiction can have worse consequences for children and adolescents, too, because it disrupts normal psychological development. Continue reading to learn how to protect the next generation from a technology addiction.

Why Overprotective Parenting Is Setting Your Child Back

A mother holding an umbrella over her daughter in the rain, representing overprotective parenting

Why should you let your children experience hardship? What can happen if your children don’t learn to handle pain? According to psychotherapist Amy Morin, being an overprotective parent who handles your children’s problems will cause more issues for them in the long run. Children need to learn how to overcome struggles and build confidence. Here’s why you need to learn to step back and let your child struggle, even though it’s difficult.

Punishment vs. Discipline: Which Is Most Effective as a Parent?

A young boy sitting in a chair in a living room looking sad, representing punishment vs. discipline in parenting

What’s the difference between punishment and discipline? Which one should you be using on your children? While often confused, discipline and punishment are not the same thing. Discipline is the act of teaching your child whereas punishment is making your child suffer for a mistake. Punishments are unhelpful and can oftentimes make situations worse. Continue reading for a deeper look into punishment vs. discipline when it comes to parenting.

How Teach Your Child That It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

A young child in a kitchen accidently pouring milk onto a counter, learning that it's okay to make mistakes

Does your child know that it’s okay to make mistakes? Do you try to fix your child’s mistakes for them? In her book 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, Amy Morin stresses the importance of not fixing your child’s mistakes for them. Children need to learn that there are consequences to their actions, otherwise they’ll keep making the same mistakes. Here’s how to help your child develop resilience.

How Not to Raise Entitled Children: Maintain a Hierarchy

An entitled child sitting on top of his father, who is laying on the living room floor

Do you want to avoid raising entitled children? How can you prevent your child from running your household? As a parent, you may be tempted to indulge your child’s whims to make them happy. However, overindulging your child can upend your home’s hierarchy and put your child in charge. Keep reading to learn how to keep your home’s hierarchy in check.

What Does “Mentally Strong” Mean in Terms of Parenting?

A cartoon image of a brain in a gym lifting a weight, signifying being mentally strong

What does mentally strong mean, according to psychotherapist Amy Morin? Can mentally strong people handle everything on their own? In her book 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, Amy Morin explains how to be a mentally strong parent. By following her advice, you can raise independent and confident children. Here’s what it means to be mentally strong.

How to Prevent Learned Helplessness in Children

A painting of a sad young girl sitting in a room, representing learned helplessness in children

Does your child see themself as a victim? How can you avoid instilling learned helplessness in children? As a parent, if you indulge in your child’s self-pity then you’re instilling a victim mentality in them. Instead, help your child acknowledge their failures and work through them. Here’s a look at how to raise self-confident children, from 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do by Amy Morin.

Children’s Emotions and Feelings: Don’t Try to “Fix” Them

A black and white image of a mother hugging her son, who looks distressed, showing children's emotions and feelings

How do you react when your child is upset? Do you always try to cheer them up? Psychotherapist Amy Morin says that parents shouldn’t try to fix their children’s emotions and feelings. Instead, you should offer support while letting them know that it’s okay to feel upset. Here’s why parents need to allow their children to feel upset sometimes.

How to Raise Strong Children: Let Them Experience Hardship

Two young sisters standing in a living room flexing their arms to show that they are strong children

Do you want to raise mentally strong children? Why must you let your children struggle sometimes? According to psychotherapist Amy Morin, parents must push past their instincts to coddle their children and fix their problems for them. Children must learn to experience pain, make mistakes, cope with discomfort, and work through their emotions. Here are four things you can do to raise strong children.

Managing Expectations for Parents—Dr. Amy Morin’s Advice

A stressed looking woman leaning on a kitchen counter, representing managing expectations as a parent

Do you expect perfection from your child? How much responsibility should children carry? What are effective forms of discipline? Managing expectations for parents and children can be difficult. Sometimes, what seems like the obvious course of action isn’t the most effective. Continue reading for advice from psychotherapist Amy Morin.