Are you one of those parents that fight their kid’s battles for them? Do you attack the school, the other student, the other student’s family or maybe your own child? Do you blame others when your child or teenager has a problem? Do your rescue or enable your child or teenager? If so, then you are an overprotective parent.
Some of the effects of being an overprotective parent can be devastating to your pre-teen or teenager.
Effects can include:
- Low self esteem
- Inability solve disagreements or conflicts
- Lack of self confidence
- Taking greater risks as a teenager
- Lack of taking responsibility for their own choices
- Blaming others for their actions
What can you do to change?
- Teach your child or teenager how to appropriately handle disagreements and conflicts
- Talk your child or teenager through a problem
- Discuss ways to solve problems
- If the situation is dangerous to your child, go with them to school to deal with the issue together
- Allow your child or teen to fail
- Allow your child or teen experience consequences to choices, whether good, bad or natural
Life experiences, both positive and negative, help define who we are and who we will become. Being an overprotective parent prevents your child from developing positive self esteem, conflict resolution skills and being accountable for their actions.
