7 toxic parenting habits that raise mentally weak children

As parents, it’s our job to give our kids the tools they need to face struggle without breaking.

I’ve studied over 200 parent-child relationships, and I’m a mother myself. My goal has always been to teach kids how to process hard feelings and move forward. Mentally strong kids know how to regulate their emotions, trust themselves, and rebound after setbacks. And that kind of strength is built at home, in the everyday moments between parent and child.

Here are seven things to avoid if you want to raise mentally strong kids.

Kids build resilience by learning that can get through tough situations. When you rush to fix every problem, you rob your child of resilience. Let them wrestle with discomfort while staying present as their safe base.

What to do: Clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour says kids who regularly face age-appropriate challenges build stronger emotional regulation over time.

If your child forgets their homework, let them face the natural consequence instead of driving it to school for them. Then talk afterward about what they learned and how they can plan differently next time.

It’s okay to lose your temper sometimes. But parents who raise mentally strong kids don’t pretend like something didn’t happen — or blame the child for “making” them react.

Mental strength happens when you move through problems without destroying trust.

What to do: If you snapped at them, say: “I was stressed and took it out on you. I’m sorry.” Your child learn will that mistakes don’t end relationships, and that taking responsibility is strength.

This models what experts call “rupture and repair,” a foundational concept in connection and emotional intelligence.

Shutting down big feelings like anger or sadness teaches kids to fear their own emotions. Strength comes from knowing that hard feelings are manageable.

This is also where kids practice social resilience. If they know anger or sadness won’t destroy your bond, they’re more prepared to face rejection or conflict with peers.

What to do: When your child is upset, avoid saying, “You’re fine.” Instead say: “I know that really hurt. I’m here with you.” Your calm presence teaches them emotions aren’t emergencies.

A child who only feels valuable when they succeed will crumble under pressure. Mentally strong kids know their worth doesn’t depend on grades or trophies.

What to do: Studies show that perfectionism is rising in kids, which is linked to anxiety and burnout in adolescence.

After a poor grade, avoid saying, “You’re smarter than this.” Instead, say: “I’m proud of the effort you put in. Your grade doesn’t define you.”

Authoritarian parenting looks strong but breeds weakness. When kids never get a voice, they learn to either collapse or rebel. True strength grows when they’re invited into decisions, learning that their voice matters.

This is also how kids develop autonomy: They practice independence while staying connected to your guidance.

What to do: Research shows that giving kids a sense of control builds motivation and reduces power struggles. Let your child choose between two chores or help decide what’s for dinner. Small choices build confidence.

Some parents unknowingly expect kids to regulate their stress by comforting them. This emotional role reversal is damaging.

What to do: Instead of saying, “You’re making me sad,” try: “I’m feeling overwhelmed. I need a moment to calm down.” It’s not your child’s job to manage your nervous system.

Children raised to glorify productivity grow into burned-out adults. Show them that strength includes knowing when to pause, recharge, and value themselves beyond constant output.

When you demonstrate rest, you’re teaching body awareness: how to recognize stress signals and respond before burnout.

What to do: Say, “I’m going to rest for 20 minutes. Taking care of myself helps me feel better.”

Mental strength is all about helping kids face hard things, feel their feelings, take ownership, and rest — while knowing they’re deeply loved for who they are.

Reem Raouda is a leading voice in conscious parenting and the creator of FOUNDATIONS, a step-by-step guide that helps parents heal and become emotionally safe. She is widely recognized for her expertise in children’s emotional safety and for redefining what it means to raise emotionally healthy kids. Connect with her on Instagram.

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