*Collaborative Post

Parenting can be rewarding and challenging. It’s a never-ending journey that requires patience, understanding, and love. However, parenting can be frustrating when things don’t go as planned. Here are 5 common parenting struggles: 

1. The conflict between parents over disciplining their children

It can happen when one parent is more lenient than the other or believes in using physical punishment while the other does not. 

No one said being a parent would be easy, and in fact, it can be downright difficult at times. One of the biggest challenges parents face is disciplining their kids when they make poor or bad decisions. It’s never easy to see your child suffer, but sometimes it’s necessary to help them learn from their mistakes. 

Parents also have to worry about ‘who their kids choose to be friends with, whether they’re choosing good friends who will help them grow and learn or bad friends who will lead them down the wrong path. And finally, parents have to deal with their poor decision-making as kids, which can often come back to haunt them as adults. These issues are difficult, but ultimately they’re all part of the parenting journey. 

2. The effect that divorce or separation has on parents and their children. 

Divorce can cause children to feel abandoned, unloved, and confused by the split in their family structure. 

When the child decides to stay with one parent after their separation, it could be possible that their guardian wants to change their name or surname legally. In most cases, the child will keep the same last name as the parent they live with. But what happens if the child wants to change their name? Can you legally do that? 

Yes, you can change your name or the kid’s surname. A child can legally change their name after divorce. Both parents need to give consent for minor children to change their name legally. If the child is above 18 years of age, the decision is entirely their own. 

3. Communication gaps between parents and their children

There are bound to be communication gaps between parents and children. They are minor and easily overcome. This can become a major source of tension and conflict.

Parents may feel that their children are not listening to them or not taking their advice seriously, leading to frustration and a feeling of powerlessness. Children may feel that their parents don’t understand them or that they are being too controlling, leading to resentment and a desire for independence. 

The key to bridging these communication gaps is understanding where the other person is coming from. While parents must have a close relationship with their children, they should not try to control or smother them. 

4. Having unrealistic expectations from children

Every parent wants their children to be successful. Some parents take this step too far, setting unrealistic expectations for their children, leading to frustration and disappointment.

One study found that 80% of parents expect their children to earn a college degree, even though only 50% of students do. And it’s not just college – many parents expect their kids to excel in every activity they undertake, whether it’s art, sports or academics.

When expectations are too high, they can often lead to disappointment. And if a child doesn’t live up to their parent’s expectations, the child may feel like they’ve failed. 

Conclusion

Parenting is a never-ending roller coaster ride of emotions. There are amazing moments of joy and happiness, but there are also times when you might feel overwhelmed and stressed. You are bound to face parenting problems at some point, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. 

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.