7 ways parents harm their children without even realizing it

1. Subtle dishonesty.

Kids are human lie detectors, and we can’t teach them the value of honesty and integrity when we’re willing to be dishonest. One of the most common examples of this is when parents will lie about their child’s age right in front of their son or daughter just to save a few bucks on a kids’ meal or theme park admission ticket. Saving those few extra bucks will cost you a huge amount in the long run with the negative lessons you’re teaching your child about “selective honesty.”

#2 might seem harmless in the moment, but it can create longterm dysfunction in your family...