It’s no doubt that any good parent wants be on top of their children’s safety at all times. In fact, parents will do anything in their power to ensure that their children are safe.
While some level of parental protection and guidance is important for your child, excessive or overbearing behaviour from the parent can be harmful to a child’s development and independence. It can also lead to feelings of resentment, anxiety, and low self-esteem in the child.
By definition, an overprotective parent is a parent who goes to great lengths to shield their child from any potential harm or danger. Overprotective parents are often characterized by their intense and constant anxiety about their child’s safety, and their tendency to monitor and control their child’s every move.
According to Verywell Family, some common behaviours of overprotective parents include:
- Not allowing their child to engage in activities that are perceived as risky or dangerous, such as playing outside or riding a bike
- Constantly checking up on their child and monitoring their whereabouts
- Refusing to let their child make their own decisions, even about minor things
- Becoming overly involved in their child’s social life and relationships
Being an overprotective parent can have negative effects on a child’s development and well-being. Here are some ways that being an overprotective parent can affect your child by Parenting For Brain:
- Lack of Independence: When a parent is overprotective, they tend to limit their child’s autonomy, and as a result, the child may not develop the necessary skills to be independent. This can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and low self-esteem.
- Anxiety and Fear: Overprotective parents tend to be anxious about their child’s safety and well-being, and this can create a sense of anxiety and fear in the child as well. This can lead to the child being overly cautious and hesitant to take risks, which can limit their opportunities for growth and development.
- Poor Decision Making: When parents make all the decisions for their child, the child may not learn how to make good decisions for themselves. Overprotective parents may also shield their child from experiencing the consequences of their actions, which can hinder the child’s ability to learn from their mistakes.
- Social and Emotional Issues: Overprotective parents may interfere with their child’s social life and relationships, which can lead to social and emotional problems. Children may feel isolated, have difficulty making friends, and struggle with social skills and emotional regulation.
