10 Mistakes Pakistani Parents Make Daily (Yes, Probably You Too)
Dr. Abdullah Bin Samak
25th May, 2025
⏱︎ 6 min read
The parenting mistakes you're probably making right now could be setting your child up for serious health problems, mental disorders, and a lifetime of struggle. But here's the good news - once you know what these parenting mistakes are, you can fix them. In this guide, we'll show you the 10 most dangerous parenting mistakes Pakistani parents make, why they're so harmful, and exactly how to be a better parent starting today. So, let’s get into it.
1. Using Baby Walkers for Early Walking
Many parents think baby walkers help their little ones walk sooner or keep them busy, so they pop babies in these from as early as 4 months.
Why is it wrong?
Studies by Harvard and the American Academy of Pediatrics show baby walkers don’t speed up walking. Instead, they delay important muscle and balance development. Plus, walkers cause thousands of serious injuries each year — babies can fall down stairs, bump into sharp corners, or grab dangerous objects. Head injuries and broken bones aren’t rare, and that’s scary stuff.
What to do instead?
Give your baby lots of supervised floor play and tummy time. Let them explore crawling, pulling up, and cruising along furniture naturally — that builds muscles and balance safely.
2. Giving Toddlers Too Much Milk (More Than 2 Cups Daily)
Yes, milk is healthy, but many parents let kids drink way too much, which can be dangerous.
Why is it wrong?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, too much milk can cause iron deficiency anemia. Milk fills their stomachs so they skip iron-rich foods, and low iron slows brain growth and causes tiredness and irritability (Healthline). Plus, excess milk may cause constipation and block the absorption of other nutrients.
What to do instead?
Limit milk to 16-24 ounces (2-3 cups) daily. Serve iron-rich foods like meats, beans, and fortified cereals to help your toddler grow strong.
But what if the child isn’t eating anything except milk?
We’ve created a video showing 4 steps on how to increase a child’s appetite and get them to eat properly.
3. Making Children Finish Their Entire Plate
It’s a classic: parents tell kids to “clean your plate, beta” hoping to teach discipline or avoid food waste.
Why is it wrong?
Research from the University of Michigan shows forcing kids to eat past fullness confuses their natural hunger signals. This can cause overeating and raise the risk of obesity. It also makes mealtime stressful, turning food into a battleground and encouraging picky or disordered eating later.
What to do instead?
Serve reasonable portions and encourage kids to stop when they feel full. Say things like, “You can stop when you’re done,” and offer seconds if they want more. Make meals relaxed and positive.
4. Putting Mobile Phones or Tablets in Front of Crying Babies
Parents often use screens as a quick way to calm crying infants.
Why is it wrong?
Studies in JAMA Pediatrics show that screen time for children under 2 can delay language development and reduce parent-child interaction, which is crucial for brain growth. Screens don’t teach emotional coping — they only distract. Overuse can cause attention problems and even affect sleep quality.
What to do instead?
Instead of screens, try soothing your baby with rocking, singing, or gentle talking. These build bonds and help babies learn to manage emotions naturally.
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5. Not Modeling the Behavior You Want to See
Parents expect kids to behave well, but forget they learn by watching, not listening.
They want their kids to eat ‘healthy’ food, but they’re the ones eating junk all the time.
Why is it wrong?
You’re their role model. They copy what YOU do.
If you’re not eating healthy, don’t expect them to eat ‘healthy’ either.
What to do instead?
Be the behavior you want to see. Want them to love healthy food? Eat healthy in front of them. Want them to grow stronger? Do exercise in front of them. Want them to be social? Meet other people in front of them.
6. Trying to “Fix” Every Problem Instead of Letting Kids Struggle and Learn
It’s tempting to solve every tantrum, failure, or conflict for your child. But you know what? It’s hurting your child more than helping them.
Why is it wrong?
Research from Stanford University says that kids who don’t face challenges miss out on developing resilience and problem-solving skills. Overprotective parenting leads to anxiety and low confidence because kids don’t learn to cope with frustration or failure.
What to do instead?
Let kids try, fail, and figure things out with your guidance, not interference. Say, “I’m here if you need help,” but encourage independence.
7. Constantly Comparing Your Child to Others (Siblings, Cousins)
Parents often try to motivate kids by comparing them to more successful peers.
Why is it wrong?
Studies found that kids who are often compared to others develop lower self-esteem, higher stress, and sometimes act out or withdraw socially. Constant comparison makes children feel inadequate instead of motivated.
What to do instead?
Focus on your child’s unique strengths and progress. Celebrate their personal bests rather than their rank against others.
8. Failing to Apologize When You’re Wrong
Many parents think admitting mistakes shows weakness.
Why is it wrong?
Psychologists say owning your mistakes teaches kids humility and trust. If parents never apologize, children might believe making mistakes is shameful or feel less safe admitting their own errors. This harms emotional intelligence and healthy relationships.
What to do instead?
Just say “I’m sorry” when you mess up.
9. Dismissing Your Child’s Emotions with Lines Like “It’s Nothing” or “Don’t Cry”
Parents often try to “brush off” emotions to avoid fuss and keep them ‘silent’.
Why is it wrong?
Studies in Developmental Psychology show that dismissing feelings teaches kids to hide or distrust their emotions, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and trouble with relationships later. Children need their feelings acknowledged to develop emotional health.
What to do instead?
Validate feelings with phrases like, “I see you’re upset, that’s okay,” or “It’s okay to feel sad.” Help them name and express emotions safely.
10. Labeling Them Too Early (“You’re the Shy One” / “He’s the Naughty One”)
Parents naturally notice traits and label kids, but early labeling can stick and limit growth.
Why is it wrong?
Research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology finds that labeling affects how kids see themselves — they tend to act according to the label, which can limit behavior and confidence. For example, calling a child “shy” might stop them from trying new things.
What to do instead?
Focus on behaviors, not fixed labels. Say, “You’re quiet sometimes, but you’re also curious and brave.” Encourage growth by highlighting potential.
How to Be a Better Parent Starting Today
The good news is that parenting mistakes can be fixed. Here are three things you can do right now to be a better parent:
- Pick one parenting mistake from this list that you recognize in yourself. Focus on changing just that one thing for the next week.
- Have an honest conversation with your child. If you’ve been making parenting mistakes, it’s okay to apologize and explain that you’re learning too.
- Remember that being a better parent doesn’t mean being a perfect parent. Small changes make a big difference over time.
Your kids don’t need perfect parents,
They need ones who love them and are always trying to improve.
And you know the best way to improve?
Stay informed.
Keep consuming childcare content like this to boost your knowledge.
That’s why we share daily child health tips on Instagram—answering your parenting questions and guiding you to raise a healthy child.
So, if you wanna keep improving your parenting skills and give your child the best childhood possible.
✓ Medically reviewed by:
MBBS, RMP, FCPS, PMDC
Written by:
Dr. Abdullah Bin Samak
Medically reviewed by:
MBBS, FCPS, PMDC, RMP
Written by:
Dr. Abdullah Bin Samak
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© 2025. All rights reserved.
© 2025. All rights reserved.