Parenting Pressure: Every parent wants the best for their child. A good education, good values, a secure future, and social recognition are all dreams that are in every parent's heart. However, when this pursuit of the best turns into perfect parenting, it inadvertently puts immense mental pressure on children. This has become a crucial topic today, as the fine line between love and expectation is often lost.

Good Intentions, Bad Influence
These days, social media, parenting books, and comparison culture have created a stereotype of the ideal parent. It's widely believed that a good parent is one whose child is a topper, multi-talented, confident, and never makes a mistake. Consequently, parents also become embroiled in the race to prove themselves. As a result, children begin to shoulder the burden of expectations beyond their years.

How Does Perfect Parenting Create Pressure on Children? 

1. Constantly Expecting to Do Better
When a child is constantly expected to do better, they forget to be happy with their achievements. They feel they are never good enough.

2. Fear of Making Mistakes
Perfect parents often interpret mistakes as failures. This makes children afraid to experiment and learn new things.

3. The Poison of Comparison
A single line like, "Look what Sharmaji's child is doing," can deeply damage a child's self-confidence. Comparison makes a child unhappy with themselves.

4. The Habit of Suppressing Emotions
When parents focus only on results, the child's feelings go unnoticed. Gradually, the child stops sharing their problems.

5. Linking Love to Performance
If a child believes they will receive love only if they do well, they live under constant pressure to prove themselves.

Long-Term Effects on Children

Children under constant pressure:

Anxiety and stress may increase.
Confidence may decrease.
Decision-making may be feared.
Openness in relationships may decrease.
Be a present parent, not a perfect one.

Children don't need perfect parents; they need parents who understand and support them. Consider mistakes as learning opportunities, avoid comparisons, and let your child know that your love is unconditional.

If parents stop trying to be perfect parents and instead connect with their children as human beings, children not only become better but also happier and more confident. Remember, children need trust, not pressure, to thrive.

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