How Do I Stop Parenting Like My Dad

[Lulu77]

I had a very strained relationship with my Dad (and in some ways still do) he was overbearing, critical, quick to judge and short tempered. The worst thing the older my children get, the more I hear his voice coming out of my mouth when I discipline them, without even thinking about it. Please tell me there is something I can do to stop the cycle.

[Old_Geezer]

Take a deep breath and count to ten before responding. Do not waste the delay, use it to think about what you really want to say.

[boxtops]

Do your children behave as you did when you were little? Think how it was for you - you don't want the same memories for them.

[Lulu77]

Thank you for your advice, I think I'm going to have to tough it out and count to ten Old Geezer. Wish me luck.

[pixie373]

That you recognise it, is a positive step for a start. You're already an improvement on him. You could have a look for parenting classes near you?

[EcclesCake]

I suspect we all fear turning into our parents to some extent. Be it groaning when you ease yourself into an armchair or repeating oft' heard words of admonishment.

Recognising you are doing it is certainly the first step and you can then try to keep your self in check.

Good luck.

[mariostewart62]

This chain cannot broken, you have to face them by your own.