Even the best intentions can go awry when it comes to parenting your children. No matter how well our intentions may be, it’s easy to fall into certain parenting traps. Some of the things we do for our kids can go easily undetected because they are ingrained in our culture. Let’s take a look at the most common ways parents may be unknowingly setting their children’s lives for disaster.

1. Doing Everything for Them. Kids may be stubborn, but they would want to do things their way. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and makes them feel good about themselves. If you do too much for them, this robs them the chance to learn new skills and the feeling of independency. Instead of providing everything for your children, break the task into smaller chores that they can accomplish by themselves. This gives your kids a feeling of accomplishment, which will boost their self-esteem.

2. Making Amusement the Highest Priority. We don’t want our children to feel bored and go grumpy especially when in public, so we readily hand over toys and other entertainment devices to keep them occupied. As this becomes a habit, your child will constantly crave for entertainment and amusement. Rather than providing them with entertainment all the time, have it as a reward for every good thing they do, such as after completing a chore or not having tantrums while you’re out in the mall.

3. Lack of Emphasis on the Value of Empathy. Children are self-centered; they are naturally wired that way at their age. When the focus is always on satisfying their wants, it’s also natural for them to develop a sense of entitlement. Children would constantly want to satisfy themselves, and concern for other people is often set aside. One way to teach kids empathy is through service. Seek out families in need and deliver goodie baskets with the kids, or contact a local food bank and volunteer to help. Teaching your children the value of sharing helps them find genuine happiness.

Many parents don’t realize these parenting habits that can negatively affect their children’s values. If these things sound common to you, take these by heart and help your kids become the best they can be.