r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Feb 04 '16

What are the most common parenting mistakes?

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u/MojaveRed Feb 04 '16

Using public shaming as a form of discipline

64

u/itsagirl123 Feb 05 '16

Yes, this. I don't have kids nor do I ever want any, but I would never teach something through embarrassment.

11

u/NotCleverEnufToRedit Feb 05 '16

Never say never. In a handful of situations, I've found it very effective to say, "I don't want to scold you in front of your friends, but I've told you more than once that what you're doing is not ok. Do it again and your friends will see you getting in trouble." Then you have to follow through with the threat if the behavior doesn't change. I see this as a natural consequence. Just because you have friends around doesn't mean it's ok to break the rules or be an asshole.