Over protecting the child

We are naturally inclined to be protective towards our children.  The question, however is, when to make the distinction of being over protective and when to let them be – so as to expose them to different situations and toughen up our young.

The society we live in today and the environment around us is not necessarily the best – yes, times have changed and for certain concerns, like health and security, parents need to be over protective.

Another trend of current times is that from DINKS (Double Income No Kids) there are a growing number of DISKS (Double Income Single Kids). Therefore, a tendency for parents to be over protective would be higher, as opposed to larger families where the parents attention would be divided across two or three children.

Scaling back on being over protection is important as molly coddling one’s child will definitely impact the child’s confidence and how he or she would react to difficult situations.  Getting the right balance, between protection and letting the child be, lies with the parents. Are there any activities where parents can scale down? Its entirely up to the parents on how tough they want their children to be for example climbing a tree may be a simple task for a nimble child as opposed to a heavier child.

Thus the only caveat that may need to be kept in mind before deciding the level of protection is the probability of the child getting hurt or causing harm to others.

Minimalistic Parenting

Minimalistic parenting is contingent to the age of the child. As the child grows, the spaces in which parental involvement is required change i.e. older the child higher is minimalistic parenting. The route with older children is around  discussions and making the right choices.

However, that said, today younger kids too are being brought up in a highly democratic environment as opposed to the earlier generations. More and more parents today involve or let the child lead the decision with regards to home spaces like their rooms, their extracurricular schedules and the choice of activities they want to pick up, what kind of a party they want to plan and the friends they want to call. They also influence to some extend the choice of family vehicles , consumer durables and mobile phones to be bought.

This empowerment only helps in the child being more confident, feeling involved and participate in decision making. The mantra is no longer my way (parents) or the highway.

Minimalist parenting does come with caveats though, as too much freedom can soon extend to more serious decision making without parents consent and involvement. This change would then result in conflicts – reigning in the child does have merit, especially when it comes to areas where age and wisdom matter more than freedom of choice.