Parents follow certain practices to discipline children. However, certain parenting habits can hamper child’s development. Read on to know which parenting practices they should avoid and the why they should avoid doing such things.It is natural for every parent to want to do the best for children but not always do the efforts pay off in a positive way. Traditionally, parents have been doing a lot of activities that are now deemed harmful to the mental and psychological development of the child’s brain. Research from child development centres show that children’s minds are very receptive and sensitive and they retain the memories for a long time. As a parent it is best for you to avoid doing the following things.1. Never Hit your ChildCorporal punishment is now banned in most schools and is now banned in most countries as well but there are definitely some homes around which still believe in “spare the rod and spoil the child� principles. Though hitting can produce short term disciplinary results it sends out a very wrong message to kids. It teaches them that using force and physical violence is an apt way to get results.2. Never Lie in Front of KidsChildren learn from their parents and if you lie in front of them they will also do the same in future. In the long run the kid will not be able to resolve situations in a truthful and humane way. Avoid lying in front of your children at any costs and find out alternative ways of managing your situations.3. Never ShoutDo not shout at your children or at anybody in presence of your children. This will make them aggressive and make them shout in retaliation too.4. Do Not use Bad LanguageSwearing or using cuss words in front of children gives them the message that it is ok to use such words in order to emphasize a point. In return the child will start swearing at school and will develop disciplinary issues. Research shows that children who swear indulge in bullying and stealing at school too. Be very particular about the kind of language you use in front of your kids.5. No Criticism in PublicMany parents think that criticizing the kid in public will urge them to improve. However child psychologists say that it this is emotional abuse and will either take away the confidence of the child or urge the development of a rebellious attitude. The child should never feel disrespected otherwise a healthy equation between the parents and child cannot be developed.6. Do not Ignore the ChildIgnoring the child sends out the non verbal message that they are not cared for or loved. Obviously this is emotionally destructive for the child and pushes the mind towards depression and reclusiveness. In time the child will become emotionally distant from the parents and reciprocate by ignoring them.7. Do not Rely on Instant GratificationGiving your children whatever they want whenever they want, is a sure fire way of spoiling them. Teach your kids that hard work is required to achieve anything in life and there should be something that they do which will deserve them what they are asking for. Instant gratification will only send out the wrong message that everything is easy in life to your kids.8. Do not Reject KidsPhysical rejection of your child like refusing to hug, kiss and caress your child can send out an uncaring message to your children. A child is very vulnerable to rejection and will often take years to emotionally recover from the trauma.9. Do Not Praise in VainPraising your child all the time without any reason is worse than not praising your child at all. Excessive praise tells your child that hard work and achievements are not required to earn praise. Praise your child moderately on achievement of success and goals.10. Do Not PressurizeExcessive pressure to achieve academic, extracurricular or sports excellence can mentally damage your children. Expect the best but be practical about your expectations. Creating undue pressure is one of the worst things parents can do to their children.If you follow the above mentioned tips and focus on not doing the activities which emotionally and psychologically damage your child then you are already on your path to becoming a better parent and a better human being too. Remember that your kids are vulnerable and need to be handled with a lot of sensitivity and care.How do parents unknowingly hamper the development of kids? Which acts should be avoided by parents? What should parents do to raise healthy, happy and well-balanced kids? Discuss here.