Over-parenting harms kids


Constant adult supervision in a hyper-safe environment has not radically decreased child-related accidents, says Hanna Rosin in The Atlantic. But over-parenting may be harming kids by denying them opportunities for risk-taking and exploring, which can help them become more responsible, independent adults, she says.


Jay Jochnowitz

2 Responses

  1. Ruben Reyes says:

    When speaking on the subject of “parenting”, it is important that the participants share the same definitions. What is meant by the
    terms “parenting”, “constant supervision”, “over-parenting”, and “opportunities for risk-taking” can vary depending on the participants point of view, orientation, experience, and end results. Raising children is by far one of the most difficult jobs anyone can do. It is not a “one size fits all” proposition. Unfortunately, parents are often judged not by their efforts, but by the end result. Some people really believe that “good kids” only come from “good parents”, and “bad kids” only come from “bad parents”. The truth of the matter is that parents are under increased scrutiny and preasure. You provide a “hyper-safe” environment and you are “over-parenting”, but if your child gets hurt while under your supervision you may be judged as neglectful. You allow your children “opportunities to explore and develop independent thinking and coping skills” and you are seen as a wonderful parent, until the day someone disagrees with you and calls CPS. Now you have to justify everything you have done which is difficult when “parenting” is such a subjective topic. You are told to “use common sense” and “be reasonable”, more losley defined terms. I don’t have the answers, but I do think we need to re-look at how we have defined and criminalized parenting behaviors. I know we need to air on the side of caution to protect the child, but until we work out a better system that truley seperates the “criminals” from the
    “parents doing their best”, I think parents have little choice but to protect themselves by providing their children “opportunites for risk-taking and exploring…..which can help them become more responsible, independent adults” while under “constant adult supervision in a hyper-safe environment”. It’s really no an all or nothing proposition.

  2. Ron Hale says:

    And over-kidding harms parents, Jay.