Why do we feel the need to protect our children from suffering or feeling the deep disparity of disappointment, failure, and pain?
Giving The Gift Of Failure: Making The Case For Parenting Less
Most parents will do whatever it takes to support their child in being successful in all three arenas no matter the sacrifice. Parents will step in and advocate, buy the latest gadgets for kids so they fit in, "help" with difficult projects and papers, and protect and guide kids every step of the way. As parents, we feel proud and accomplished when our kids are successful. These types of behaviors can often be identified as overprotective or "over-parenting" and have the potential to squelch a child's confidence, undermine a child's opportunity to learn, take responsibility, and gain independence.