# Real parents confess: Experts share what to do if you make these common parenting mistakes

> Parents can fix mental health mistakes with small changes, experts say.
- Title: Real parents confess: Experts share what to do if you make…
- Summary: Parents can fix mental health mistakes with small changes, experts say. Parents can repair parenting mistakes by pausing, apologizing, and trying again to…
- Keywords: parenting mistakes, mental health, child development, parenting styles, authoritative parenting, permissive parenting, helicopter parenting, tiger parenting, gentle parenting, repair parenting, emotional regulation, child resilience
- Source: MadeForMums — https://madeformums.com/features/parenting-mistakes-regret
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: parenting mistakes, mental health, child development, parenting styles, authoritative parenting, permissive parenting, helicopter parenting, tiger parenting, gentle parenting, repair parenting, emotional regulation, child resilience
## Parenting style affects child mental health
Experts say parenting styles shape children's mental health, emotional resilience, and brain development.

> Children learn how to manage their emotions by watching the adults around them.
## Over 90% of parents feel judged
More than 90% of parents say they feel judged for their parenting, with almost half feeling scrutinised most or all of the time.
## Parenting styles impact mental health
Research shows supportive parenting reduces anxiety and depression risks, while harsh parenting increases them.
## Overprotective parenting causes anxiety
Overbearing parenting leads to higher anxiety, lower self-confidence, and weaker coping skills in children.

> I realised my over-protectiveness could hurt my child.
## Matt's parenting shift
Matt stepped back to let his five-year-old try tasks independently while staying nearby.

> Hovering kept them physically safe, but I started to see how it could stunt their confidence.
## Gentle parenting without structure causes issues
Gentle parenting without clear boundaries leads to emotional insecurity and poor self-regulation.

> High warmth is beautiful. But without structure? It creates anxiety.
## Jaclyn's parenting shift
Jaclyn shifted to authoritative parenting with empathy and clear limits after gentle parenting caused anxiety.

> My kids were longing for structure, a leader.
## Authoritarian parenting causes anxiety
Authoritarian parenting creates anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression in children.

> I saw my daughter becoming terrified of messing up.
## Emma's parenting shift
Emma softened her approach to reduce criticism and involve her daughter in small decisions.

> Our home is happier.
## Parenting styles explained
Authoritative parenting combines high warmth and structure, while permissive parenting has high warmth but low structure.
## Authoritative parenting is best for mental health
Authoritative parenting is linked to the best mental health outcomes for children.

> Psychologists consistently point to authoritative parenting as the most protective style for mental health.
## Repair matters more than perfection
Parents can fix mistakes by pausing, apologizing, and trying again to improve child mental health.

> Replace your automatic reaction with a short pause.
## Children need present parents
Children need adults who notice when something is not working, apologize, adapt, and keep showing up.

> You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.
## What happens next
Parents can make small, consistent changes to improve child mental health without overhauling everything.
## Key takeaway

Parents can repair parenting mistakes by pausing, apologizing, and trying again to improve child mental health.