Break These 6 Harmful Parenting Habits Now for Kids' Well-Being
Source: Child psychologist begs parents to break these 6 common but harmful habits for their kids (2025-11-25)
In a recent expert warning, child psychologist Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge emphasizes the importance of avoiding six common but detrimental habits that many parents and grandparents unknowingly adopt, which can hinder children's development. While modern parenting often relies on screens and quick fixes, recent research highlights the long-term negative impacts of these practices. For example, children now spend over 2.5 hours daily on screens, which can impair attention, sleep, and social skills. Beyond screen time, other harmful habits include over-scheduling children, using punitive discipline, neglecting emotional needs, overprotecting from failure, and inconsistent routines. Recent studies from 2024 reveal that excessive screen exposure correlates with increased anxiety and depression in children, especially post-pandemic. Over-scheduling can lead to burnout and reduce resilience, while punitive discipline fosters fear rather than understanding. Neglecting emotional needs hampers emotional intelligence, and overprotection can stunt independence. Conversely, recent findings suggest that fostering unstructured play, emotional validation, and resilience-building activities significantly enhance mental health and social skills. Experts now recommend that parents prioritize quality interactions, limit screen time to under an hour daily, and encourage outdoor, imaginative play. Additionally, incorporating mindfulness practices and fostering a growth mindset can help children develop emotional regulation and adaptability. As research continues to evolve, it’s clear that mindful parenting—focused on emotional connection and balanced routines—serves as the foundation for healthier, happier children. By understanding these recent insights and adjusting habits accordingly, parents and grandparents can better support their children’s long-term well-being, resilience, and success in an increasingly digital world.