Are you a pushy parent or do you require your children to be the best in academics, in playing musical instruments or in sports? If yes, then you are practicing the parenting phenomenon known as "hyper-parenting."
What Is Hyper-Parenting?
Hyper-parenting has been defined as over-parenting or being too involved in your child's life. According to Baby Post, parents who are practicing hyper-parenting are those who are trying too hard that in a way their over-involvement can impede a child's success or progress.
"Hyper-parenting is a phenomenon characterized by excessive attention to children," "Hiperpaternidad" or "Hyper-Parenting" (in English) author Eva Millet Malagarriga explained. "Parents understand that to be good parents, they must be aware of their children in an exaggerated way, solving their problems, anticipating them and doing things for them. Instead of raising and educating children, we seem to be managing them."
Effects of Hyper-Parenting
Even though "hyper-parenting" parents only want the best for their children, this parenting style can have a negative effect on how they learn and develop. So, here are 3 reasons why hyper-parenting could be endangering your child's health.
1. Hyper-parenting can lead to having fearful children.
There is a thin line that separates parents who want the best for their children and those who are hyper-parenting. According to Metro, Malagarriga said a hyper-parent will not allow failure, hence, resulting to fearful children.
Hyper-parenting can also result to agitated children due to the stresses of overbearing parents. Experts also stressed that hyper-parenting only create fear of failure, unhappiness and loneliness.
2. Hyper-parenting creates conceited children.
Aside from fearful children, hyper-parenting breeds conceited kids since they are often told that they're super special their entire lives. These children are also those who are able to get what they want.
3. Children of hyper-parenting parents become a vital economic investment.
Hyper-parenting is usually practiced in middle and upper-class households, where parents sought to create a perfect child. Unfortunately, these children become an important economic investment and a status symbol instead of a blessing of procreation.
With that said, experts warn that the consequences of hyper-parenting should not be taken lightly. As parents are led to believe that they can design their children for success, real-life scenarios are alarming pediatricians and psychologists because the stresses are taking a toll on the physical and mental health of children.
"Doctors across the country are reporting a growing trend in children suffering from stomach ulcers and frequent headaches due to exhaustion and stress," University of Minnesota childhood expert William Doherty said, as per The Guardian. "Teachers are dealing with exhausted kids in the classroom. It's a very serious problem."
How To Stop Hyper-Parenting
A loving and caring parent definitely do not want a child's resentment. That's why experts are urging hyper-parents to give their kids space to grow and develop on their own without constant interference.
This could not only free your children from too much pressure but could help them in terms of social development. But how do parents reverse hyper-parenting?
Pamela Druckerman of The New York Times wrote that 21st-century parenting is not utterly irrational. So instead of ditching hyper-parenting, she suggests the strategy of "containment."
"Rein in its excesses, and keep it from getting worse," Druckerman advised. "Seize windows of freedom joyfully, without guilt. Remember that the problem with hyper-parenting isn't that it's bad for children; it's that it's bad for parents."
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