Mistakes in raising children often stem from good desires but are counterproductive, causing children to suffer from prolonged stress. In particular, over-controlled behavior, forcing children to follow their parents' wishes is considered the most likely factor of psychological damage. Children growing up in an imposing environment easily feel a lack of self-determination, lose confidence and form a chronic stress response.
A study by the University of Cambridge (UK) in collaboration with University College Dublin (Ireland) conducted on more than 7,500 children showed that children who are often subject to " harsh discipline" including scolding, physical punishment or isolation are at a 50% higher risk of having psychological problems when entering school age. The conclusion emphasizes that harsh discipline does not help children listen better but also increases anxiety, stress and resistance.
According to UPI News (USA), children subject to constant emotional or physical punishment are likely to fall into early forms of stress, thereby developing avoidance behavior, withdrawal or uncontrolled emotional explosions. The newspaper cited that screaming and threatening makes children's brains react similarly to when faced with real danger.
Psychology Today magazine also pointed out that ignoring children's emotions or taking sadness and disappointment lightly can lead to negative beliefs that "emotions are wrong". This increases the risk of stress, anxiety, and difficulty developing social emotions later on.
Children need a safe nurturing environment instead of pressure. Understanding, listening, respecting emotions and setting healthy boundaries will help children develop confidently, stably and significantly reduce the risk of stress.
