There are things you can do and things you cannot do in parenting. For example, you cannot - through parenting techniques - raise a happy child. This is because the happiness of a human being depends on many factors. Genetic considerations are primary. Was your child born with genes that predispose him to anger, anxiety or sadness? If so, you can do the best parenting in the world and his happiness will still be affected by those genes. Your good parenting will help reduce his suffering to be sure, but it cannot on its own bring him to a happy state of mind. But genes are not the only factor that can disrupt happiness: the other parent, the siblings, the school experience, social experiences, illness, trauma, and other issues out of your control, will affect your child's state of mind and mood. A far more realistic idea is: "you can make a positive contribution to your child's emotional well-being." Be your best self and do your best parenting and you WILL make a positive contribution to your child's emotional well-being.
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