Of course the opposite is true as well because good parenting is certainly good for your kids. And the main point here is that bad parenting can begin at a very early age. You don't have to wait until your child is up and about or even off to school. Doing the right thing and avoiding being a bad parent can start as soon as they are born.

Bad parents or parenting is seen in three areas - the abuse or neglect of your child, disagreements with your child and in ignoring your child. Now by abuse we do not refer to the appalling and illegal harming of a child but in such areas as the tone of voice, the failure to explain rules or the failure to administer the rules fairly. You don't have to be a brute to be a bad parent.

Arguments are never much fun even they are between two adults who can think and reason well. An argument with your child, particularly a young child, is bad for everyone. Certainly it is bad for the youngster because they do not have the knowledge and power of their parent. The argument can result in the belittling of the child which in turn can lead to a low level of self-respect. This is seriously bad and can lead to more serious trouble down the track.

Whatever discussions you have with your child, bad parenting will see the adult being overbearing and too strong for their weaker offspring. By all means administer the rules you have set in place and clearly explained to your child, but do so in a calm and reasonable way.

Lack of quality time is sure sign of bad parenting. Placing a child in front of a television set and then getting on with your chores may be necessary at certain times but please understand, that is not quality time. Quality time means that both the parent and the child are focused on one another. They are giving of themselves to one another and the project on which they are engaged. Ignoring your child is a sure sign of bad parenting. Engage with them and in a solid and meaningful way.

Nowadays youngsters go to pre-school and kindergarten before they begin school so there is a lot of contact with other children and other adults. These activities are all good and have many benefits but only a bad parent would rely solely on these venues to give their child a good start in life. A good parent will have as many one-to-one sessions with their child as possible talking about their day at kinder etc. They will read to their child and on a regular basis. Bad parenting occurs when these times are neglected or only carried out spasmodically.

Remember your child is only young once and the more you work hard and sensibly at good parenting, the better it will be for your child today and for the years ahead. And even if you are a sole parent, bad parenting is something you can avoid and instead give your child the best for their life ahead.