A parent's utmost dedication towards the children is often seen as admirable. If a dad regularly provides the kids what they need or if a mom makes sure that the children have all the opportunities, then these parents are generally seen as doing a good job of raising kids. The young ones should be thankful they have parents looking out for their welfare.
However, as with most anything, excesses or over parenting could also be unhealthy for the family. The penchant for putting too much focus on the kids' welfare could actually become a crutch that leaves children unmotivated to make something great with their lives. Children whose parents are too involved could end up failing in college — or basically adulthood, according to A Mother's World.
This is not to say that parents should refrain from supporting their children. But the problem usually arise when parents can't differentiate between being a supportive parent and over-parenting. The latter robs the children of their independence, when it should open them up to disappointments, heartaches and mistakes.
Understandably, parents want to shield their children from these. However, if they over-parent and protect their children too much, then they are essentially not helping them learn and evolve. Only with the kids stepping out of their comfort zone will they learn to develop coping skills.
Over-parenting is also a cause of stress for children who could be drowning in a sea of activities that their parents have enlisted for them. There's tutoring to help them do better academically and there are endless ballet, karate or piano lessons. In some cases, children are enrolled in different extra-curricular classes because parents think this will help prepare the kids for the path to success. Herald Live cites that some parents seemingly want to have "superhuman teens" who excel at almost anything, except the ability to decide for themselves.
Such a notion about success is dangerous for those who over parent, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Instead of focusing on the kids' potential achievements, wouldn't be better to focus on their emotional well-being and happiness?
What's your take on over parenting? Do you think there is merit in parents stepping back from parenting for the sake of their children? Share your thoughts in the comments!
