Too much parental involvement = anxiety?
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Too much parental involvement = anxiety?
| Mon, 08-07-2006 - 8:20am |
I just read an interesting article from Psychology Today about too much parental concern and how it is creating a generation of wimps. It was really interesting and I've read some other articles on "helicopter parenting" which I found quite good, but this article in particular makes some excellent points. I guess I have been guilty of this at times with my oldest DD. I tend to hover and check up to make sure she is staying on the right track. However, I think if I hadn't done that she would be mixed up with the wrong crowd and be on a path to self-destruction. I WILL give her some free reign at times (though we always have) to try to make decisions for herself. This past week has gone well... she has been grounded and without her cell phone because I busted her for smoking weed. She missed out on some fun with friends... one even came and talked to me and wanted me to let her go with him and he would take good care of her. Teehee.. I told him I trust her with him, but she used bad judgement for which there are consequences. Both DD and friend understood. My plan for the school year is to let her handle things on her own, but if her life is in danger I will step in.
http://health.msn.com/pregnancykids/articlepage
I tried to make a link to the article but couldn't figure it out. If someone tells me how I will try again. Otherwise you can find it a Psychology Today and the article is called "A Nation of Wimps".
Deb
http://health.msn.com/pregnancykids/articlepage
I tried to make a link to the article but couldn't figure it out. If someone tells me how I will try again. Otherwise you can find it a Psychology Today and the article is called "A Nation of Wimps".
Deb

Here's the link: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20041112-000010.html
I did find the article interesting, as I've said before all 3 of my kids went to a developmental approach, "real" Montessori-type coop preschool. I put "real" in quotes because Montessori is no longer what it used to be as parents "push" to get their kids ahead to levels which the teachers don't believe they are ready for, however, money talks. Even back then, I was finding parents who thought it was important to begin the academic push in preschool, spending a great deal of money to get them ahead of their peers. I too wonder how some of these kids will do once they get to university.
This article isn't saying anything that I haven't thought for about 10 years now.
Well,
Deb
Good post, chillie. Thanks for sharing your btdt experiences; I know I, and imagine a lot of parents, can learn from it.
Julie
We have done quite a bit of travelling ourselves, and my DD is also very comfortable with the processes. We recently returned from a short trip and I felt like SHE was the adult in charge! Since I tend to get lost, lose my car, end up at the wrong gate in the airport, (well, you get the picture) SHE was the one navigating us through all of that. So, kudos to your DD and her friend for managing all that on their own!
I hope your S has a safe journey to/from Iraq and come home just as safely. Please keep us posted on how he's doing.
I just talked to S early afternoon today... he's very tired coz they're routinely working very long days in very hot weather, but he's doing good, his spirits are good, and he says it's not nearly as bad as he was expecting.
Since I posted at lunch time today, I came to a realization.... so much of what we worry about with our kids really is small potatoes.
Oh gosh, Rose ... {{{hugs to you}}} I will keep all of your boys in my prayers for a safe return to the U.S.
Time does fly too quickly doesn't it? And those babies are grown up and gone before we know it. I take your words to heart as I realize it's just 3 years before my DD heads off to college and starts a life of her own. Egad.
Please keep us updated with how things are going in Iraq. I lived in Saudi Arabia for 5 years (during Desert Shield and Desert Storm -- in fact both DD and DS were born in Riyadh) so I am pretty familiar with how things work over there.
Take care,
Julie