Long-Term Effects Of Codependent Parenting On Kids

Introduction

Codependent parents are people who are excessively overbearing when it comes to their child’s wants, needs and concerns. A codependent parent may feel he is correct, but the truth is that he is wrong most of the time. He takes out his frustrations on his child when he feels the latter is wanting in some respect. This opens up a trajectory where his child gets affected the most by this way of parenting a child. A codependent parent will be in denial if his mistakes are pointed out to him. It is challenging to live with such a person. In most cases, a child will either abandon his parent/s or seek professional help.

What is codependent parenting a child, and what are its signs?

Codependency refers to the dependency attached to the parent-child relationship. A child or an adult needs his parents when in doubt. Children from varied backgrounds need to respect their parents, but in codependent parent-child associations, the parent abuses this respect as he knows best. In such situations, the child’s requirements take a backseat. There are many co-dependent parents across cultures, and the level of abuse varies accordingly. In India, codependency is present in modern households. It is rare to find abusive contexts in the older generations as the scope in modern parental ones is more. This is because they are tied to how younger couples are burdened with work professionally and personally. In modern times, changing lifestyles have played an essential role in maintaining and even dismantling families and this way of parenting a child.

Is codependent parenting a good thing or a bad?

The disadvantages of codependency are immense for the child. She may grow up to be an insecure person, hydra-headed even. If a child is not properly looked after, she may have hassles at work when she reaches a particular stage in her life. She may even treat her children with disdain as her past imprints will damage her psyche. Codependency leaves a lot to be desired. It has its wily way of working on an impressionable mind. It is necessary to tackle it early as adults are not as amenable to change as children. If you feel you are involved in codependency, interacting with a psychiatrist will help tremendously. We understand parenting a child is no easy job!

What are the long-term effects of codependent parenting?

The main problem with codependency, which affects even non-family members, is that the parent feels he has not committed any wrong. This slowly snowballs into structural problems within and without the family. If a parent is not shown the proper way to child-rearing, it can result in disastrous consequences. For example, teenagers may turn to smoking and drinking if they cannot cope with the pressure. Many codependent parents feel the way they do due to experience; they may have been ill-treated by their parents and are taking their feelings onto their children. This explains why anti-natalists all around the globe rally to end procreation as a phenomenon.

Closure!

So that a child is freed from the unnecessary burden of codependency, conversing with other family members is vital. A child must reach out to her family members or even teachers at school. Suppose you feel you are engaging in codependency. In that case, you may consider therapy to help you cope with it, as only a professional’s careful and watchful eye will help you come out of the stagnation and gloom. 

At Orchids, our teachers are always open to talking to your children and will help them whenever needed. We support those who come from distressing situations as our teachers are equipped with the necessary experience to handle them and use an appropriate way of parenting a child. All you need is a compassionate ear and a helpful soul. And we are here to help.

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