Things Parents Say that Ruin Their Kids’ Trust

A threat of physical punishment

Rather than making threats of any kind in the first place—even if you have no intention of following through on them, it’s better to talk to children as people, and both listen to and consider their side of the story. Mutual respect between parent and child goes a long way toward maintaining trust. “It’s important that parents are aware that it’s not only what they say but how they say things to their children or teens that can make or break trust,” says Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D., and author of 10 Days to a Less Defiant Child. “Aggressive tone and body language can leave children and teens feeling less willing to confide in their parents.”