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6 Ways to Ruin Your Children
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Kids don't come with an instruction manual, and there's no such thing as a perfect parent. You can read as many books as possible, talk to all the moms on the playground and pay for weekly therapy sessions, and you still might feel like you don't know what you are doing.
However, with the all DOs out there, ever wish you had a breakdown of the DON'Ts? Even if you think you're trying your best, it might not be enough. Take a look at this list of six sure-fire ways to create a ruined child.
Also check out...
- Give in - No matter what your children want, they get it. Whether it's the toy in line at the supermarket or the video game console that will cost you a week's pay, giving them everything they ask for is breeding ground for a brat.
Many parents believe that denying a child their requests will make them seem like the enemy. However, kids need realistic expectations about how to earn things and the value of money and hard work.
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Comments (118)

written by Meg,
July 18, 2012 01:20 pm
There's an article here somewhere? All I see are ads all over the place!
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written by Susan,
July 19, 2012 02:55 pm
this article makes perfect sense if most people had common sense we would not have so many out of control children...this is why we are creating the most entitled, disrespectful, unempathetic whimps or bullies depending on which one of these we teach them to be by example. Parents are making there children dummed down and unable to deal with the results of there bad behavior by trying to fight there battle for them, or even lie for them when they know they are wrong. They are more concerned with being there kids bestie then raising a responsible adult. They have to learn cause and effect of there actions on there own....
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written by Susan,
July 19, 2012 02:59 pm
And not by drugging them because we refuse to teach them proper behaviour, and call it ADD or ADHD. I am sure some of them do have these problems but for the most part it is lack of parenting and dicipline.
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written by Liz,
July 22, 2012 04:42 am
I hate "Top [insert numer]" lists that claim to be comprehensive authorities on a topic, and I hate articles that are filled with ads and require clicking through several pages to read a couple of paragraphs at a time. I would like to add that the opposite of their #3, never believing your child over others, is also terrible. Sometimes teachers and adults are meanies and are wrong. It is important to listen to both sides and use reasonable judgement when there is an issue.
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written by Angela,
July 22, 2012 04:14 pm
A waste of 5 minutes I will never get back. Really? Anyone that doesn't already know this shouldn't ever have kids. But what I do know...is this is my first and last time to this site....not because of the lame article, but because clicking through 6 pages to read one lame article is beyond annoying - its nerve killing. No thanks!
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written by Naseeb,
July 22, 2012 10:59 pm
That's really a good post to know a handy tips about your children and I am sure every mother will like it. Accounting and Finance Jobs
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written by Jean,
July 23, 2012 06:11 am
Here's another - DO NOT take responsibility for your children's homework, science project or whatever. It's their job not yours. A little help occasionally with a tough a*signment, no problem. It's not just that other people's children wind up competing with you and not your children. It's that your kids have no incentive to learn anything - and they won't. Kids aren't in school to get A's they are there to learn. A friend made this mistake. Her children are in their 30's and are still not responsible. Loving your children and "helping them" are very different things.
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written by TX Flamethrower,
July 23, 2012 06:37 am
And I can add that every child has a FREE WILL! Even when you do carry out these common sense strategies, there are some kids who will do the opposite of what you think is good. NEVER judge a parent by the actions of their children!! I know from first-hand experience.
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written by DUH!,
July 23, 2012 07:25 am
These are pretty obvious
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written by Nobody,
July 23, 2012 02:02 pm
Just because teachers, police, and older adults aren't all bullies doesn't mean none are. In fact I'd wager there's a fair number of them that are.
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written by jurby,
July 23, 2012 02:25 pm
i know what it's like to be ignored by a parent. my parents divorced when i was 11 and after that my mother (who worked night shifts) would go to the next door neighbor (her best friend) in the mornings after getting off work and would wait for my brother and i to leave for school, then she would go home. she was rarely up when we got home from school, rarely made dinner for us (we pretty much raised ourselves), and we were expected to not only make sure her work clothes were washed, dried, and ironed, we were expected to prepare HER dinner to take to work with her, and wake her up about 30 minutes before she needed to leave for work. i don't recall my mother ever being a present parent. it always felt that she never making the effort to actually be a mother to us. yeah, she provided us with the basics but she was no mother to us. we often felt unloved, unwanted, and nothing but a burden to her. to this day, i don't ever say "i love you" to her as i don't ever feel it towards her. she may have given birth to me but she was never a mother to me and no matter what people say, i'll never feel that mother/daughter connection to her. it's unfortunate but it is what it is.
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written by Anais,
July 24, 2012 05:30 am
Adults shouldn't call names, get into screaming matches, or threaten as a part of their disagreements anyway. It's incredibly beneficial for children to see their parents disagree respectfully and come to a compromise.
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written by phantomspots,
July 24, 2012 07:51 am
There are so many people lambasting this article, and yet, if you look at the problems in our society it's pretty obvious a ton of parents do not have such "common sense". I highly doubt the immature parents who need this list will read it, but there are too many cases of abuse, neglect, drugs, violence and crime to believe every human is born with these skills ingrained within. Just because you don't need, or rather, *think* you don't need simple advice such as this doesn't mean there aren't people who do. A little humility and awareness goes a long way.
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written by donWsox1,
July 24, 2012 08:58 am
Good advice in article...dumbos that don't think so, are arrogant blind to facts...Get a life. That some know more than you do , and you don't know it all smart alecks.
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written by Tiffany,
July 24, 2012 01:25 pm
I am a teacher and no you don't have to be an idiot to not know this stuff. Many parents are younger and younger these days and have no role models to learn from. Sadly, I see this everyday. It is not always common sense. I know people personally who are great people, but not so wise at the parenting that could learn from this.
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written by luna,
July 25, 2012 02:49 pm
I can see from the way most of you responded that your kids are probably brats....(hint for slow people...they emulate your anger, hostility, and inate stupidity).
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written by Robert,
July 28, 2012 06:22 pm
well lets see. 6 ways to ruin a child. provided you dont abort it.. 1- not teaching them the ways of Christ. 2- letting them have there way. 3-allowing them to be disresecptful to there elders and teachers. 4- allowing them to much time in front of a t.v. computer. game system. and texting..5.- not teaching them how to help around the house with chores. 6.-Defending them when they do some thing illegal or just plain stupid. theres many more. but these are my 6
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written by anonymous,
July 29, 2012 05:26 pm
this is a pretty stupid article but i was whooped with a belt when i was little and my mom still threatens to do it . she's a total b***h and i cant wait til i turn 18 and go to collage cause frankly im sick of her and her attitude acting like its ok to call MY father names while they were getting a divorce. she would come home and b like guess wat ur father said today in court. like the hell's wrong with u. do u know how to b a parent. jus setting examples like tht . well all i have in my mind now is 4 more years jus 4 til i go to collage and i will NEVER EVER become like my mother or treat my future kids (if God's willing) like this
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written by supercarp,
July 31, 2012 10:36 am
People need to be told these things. I observed a mom in a waiting room who constantly badgered her oldest son the whole time. The poor kid couldn't do anything right even when he was sitting quietly reading a book. I told the doctor about her. He said he knew she was like that.
Poor kid.
Poor kid.
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written by Alex,
August 01, 2012 02:13 pm
My parents fought infront of me and it was probably one of the best life lessons they gave me. There were just a few rules: fight fair, zero name calling, keep it on point, no loud yelling/cussing/or throwing things, and make sure all of us kids see them come to a resolution. I learned how to come to a resolution without abusing the other party or rolling over and caving in. The mediation skills I was taught are invaluable.
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written by Michelle,
August 06, 2012 07:11 am
I totally agree with your article. In fact, I am shocked at the comments. As an educator of both k-12 and higher education, I recognize these parents. Unfortunately, it shows up every day in the cla*sroom. It seems like parents may know these things, but if you think for one minute you have "arrived", you are sadly misled. Just like a marriage, parenting is hard work and there is no one size fits all. However, these tips are a great start.
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written by laura,
August 08, 2012 08:59 am
just spoiled m day....i have four kids unning around the house ,so i want o read this article on how not to ruin the kids,and waste alot of time reading it spread over all these pages time wasted, dumb article now its lunchtime and the kids want to kill me because the lunch isnt ready!one page only next time please.
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written by Mark,
August 10, 2012 04:10 pm
All you people who think this article is stupid, you're WRONG. My parents were well meaning, educated, and certainly not "stupid or retarded". They did 4 out of 6 of these to me things and my life has been a serious struggle because of it.
Don't be sure the people you least expect could be guilty of doing these things. It's not easy. And the children DO pay.
Don't be sure the people you least expect could be guilty of doing these things. It's not easy. And the children DO pay.
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written by Kristin,
August 10, 2012 06:09 pm
Total crap, useless article. They should be too ashamed to print such crap.
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written by judy evans,
August 12, 2012 03:09 am
this article is so true. the comments are pricless. i have grandchildren, i see my kids raising theirs it is the tail wagging the dog. the parents are jumping thru hoops. who is teaching morals and ethics??? no one. your house should have control, love and stablity. i see kids trying to raise kids, they do not have a clue.... what end result do you hope to have?? quit blaming your parents for everything. for every action there is a reaction, be ready for it. be responsible.
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written by RC,
August 14, 2012 08:02 am
Sure this is all common sense and not helpful to me or probably most people reading this. This article is for the folks who would never read an article on parenting. I bet most of the folks panning this could name several people they know who ought to read this. Heck, I can name them all within my family. Even the don't steal in front of your kids - I know lots of folks who have no problems showing their kids pirated movies, or downloading pirated games. Somehow it never occurs to them that they are encouraging their kids to break the law. . . .
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written by Arie,
August 14, 2012 10:54 am
Honestly? Dragging out a few lines over several pages is ridiculous, but, not as much as the information pertaining to the article. These are common knowledge facts and unoriginal drivel.
Here's an idea! Write one about 6 ways parents UNKNOWINGLY ruin their children. As in, things people may not know. Not the captain obvious fact guide.
Here's an idea! Write one about 6 ways parents UNKNOWINGLY ruin their children. As in, things people may not know. Not the captain obvious fact guide.
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written by magg C,
August 16, 2012 10:34 am
the article is a wonderful guide that needs to be taken seriously. Many children are the product of the parents who think articles like these are a waste of time and spoil or ruin a child with their own attitude towards discipline and guidelines.
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written by Dave,
August 16, 2012 07:03 pm
"Fight in Front of the Kids"
Correct fighting; not name calling or belittling. But if kids never see arguing, how are they going to learn?
Correct fighting; not name calling or belittling. But if kids never see arguing, how are they going to learn?
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written by Sarah,
August 17, 2012 12:29 am
I see now why a certain group of kids in the US are now destroying people's lives and hurting and killing others. These mobs of kids don't have any of these parenting skills done on them. Most don't have fathers and for sure ALL don't have a mother who gives them any attention. A good parent has proof of their parenting skills by how their children are now acting in society.
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written by Roddy,
August 21, 2012 11:08 am
The pages on this site take a ridiculous amount of time to load. Hmm, wonder why that is...(looking at you fifty random ads).
As for this article, wow. Unhelpful. I've learned that most every facet of human life is a learned behavior, from religion to the way that we walk, talk, and act: what are you and trusty television teaching your kids?
As for this article, wow. Unhelpful. I've learned that most every facet of human life is a learned behavior, from religion to the way that we walk, talk, and act: what are you and trusty television teaching your kids?
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written by hadahunch,
August 21, 2012 01:51 pm
Good, sound article. I really enjoy don't examples and do examples. I'll agree with the article spread over more than one page. Now I know why this is done. It is annoying and aggravating. Perhaps a don't and a do article on several page layouts is in order.
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written by hmm,
August 21, 2012 07:59 pm
I enjoyed reading this article. Gives some parents ahead's up, if they already did not know. Some comments I could not agree with. I think kids do learn a lot from their parents but that does not make them what they are.
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written by Annoyed,
August 22, 2012 12:46 pm
I know it is a form of advertisement, but why would you pay to have this site promote your business or product? Who pays attention to the ads?! They're just plain annoying.
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written by Mickie,
August 26, 2012 08:16 pm
I have a few more to add to your list, based on my own life. However, I doubt you're interested. I see another motive behind this entire article...
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written by Bob,
August 29, 2012 08:10 pm
Great Article! Thank you! The sad thing is how many people are saying this is a bad article. It's these people who are foolish and don't care about their kids! This is information that most parents should know already but really don't care! Thank you for writing! Some people like to read good things!
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written by CourtneeB,
August 30, 2012 12:29 pm
Parents do the best you can to keep yourself sane and your children safe. All I have done in the last 39 yrs is raise kids and what you do for one don't work for the other. These rules don't apply to all kids. I told my kids that if they didn't eat what I cooked, they would go to bed hungry. They didn't eat for 2 days at home.
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written by Fran,
September 01, 2012 06:45 pm
The general rejection of these recommendations is why there are so many dysfunctional people in America. Raising children to grow into civilized, effectual human beings as opposed to self involved narcissists is in the parent's hands. You get back what you teach them by your own conduct and example. If you raise children without effective parenting strategies they cannot get along with others or succeed in later life. Neglecting to instill self control and self reliance in your children does home to roost. Careless parenting lays the foundation for juvenile delinquency and an inability to get or hold a job later in life. You don't want your children to grow up with these difficulties. You will come to own them.
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written by james,
September 02, 2012 05:44 pm
I AM A LOVEING CARING SINGLE FATHER,IT REALY ANOYS ME THAT THESE WEBSITES IMPLY THAT IT IS ONLY MOMS THAT DEAL WITH THIS KIND OF THING.GIVE FATHERS THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE,MOTHERS DO NOT DO IT ALONE!HOW ABOUT WE RECOGNIZE THE ROLE A FATHER PLAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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written by Scruffy Nerfherder,
September 05, 2012 09:01 am
I love how this article addresses things like profanity as somehow linking delinquency and lowpoor moral character. I curse, though not regularly, and try not to do so in front of my child but, every now and then, one slips; however, I will say this, I'd much rather my child pick-up cursing than something that is far more deadly, such as smoking. I can live with him, as an adult, dropping an occasional F-bomb or GD this. But smoking? Yeah, nothing like spending your days driving nails into your coffin. That's a stellar lesson no parent should teach their child.
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