Over the years I have struggled to strike a balance between my need to protect my children and their need to be independent. This has been an ongoing battle since my oldest was an infant (he's nine now). I know my eldest sometimes he feels that I just don't want him to grow up but that's not it at all. You are always hearing of the horrible crimes that are being committed on a daily basis and I just want to protect my children from every and anyone that may cause them hurt or harm. Then I was searching the net trying to find ways to help my heart deal with what my head was telling it. During my search I came across this article by Dr, Robyn Siverman entitled "You can do it! 7 Ways to Teach Your Children Self Reliance and Responsibility"

The article describes parents what she calls "helicopter parents". These are the parents that "hover over their children and swoop in before or at the slightest hint of discomfort, challenge, or threat of failure". After all, from the time their children were babies, parents have spent years... Read More...

Tags: parenting, teaching self reliance, helicopter parents