Protection Not Overprotection
As parents and grandparents we protect our children from the many dangers in the world. You know what they are and they are too numerous to list. We teach children what to do and what not to do in many different scenarios. That’s necessary, of course.
Unfortunately, to err on the side of overprotection is to stifle their emotional growth. Overprotection limits their ability to solve their own problems. Overprotection limits the self satisfaction they get from managing the difficult experiences.
How does one recognize the overprotection of our child? Often one parent considers limiting some experiences as overprotection and the other considers as necessary.
Speak with other parents. Compare parenting styles. Some of us take our worst fears and turn them into possible terrifying dangers. Some are blasé about the limits. Communicate, evaluate compromise, and set the parameters. Once the groundwork is decided upon amongst parents and all are in agreement, a family discussion is in order.
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