Hyper-parenting

"You don't want the kids to be seeking approval of the parents all their lives. You want them to know themselves, challenge you and make you grow as parents"

This is a part of the conversation I happened to listen on NPR about Hyper-parenting. It was an interesting topic as I've never heard of it before. We always talk about kids being hyper but parents?! The program was about micro-managing our kids and trying to find the balance between too much and too less of parenting.

It was an interesting perspective. Because as parents, we all want to be involved in all aspects of our children's activities in part to protect them and probably in part to make ourselves as the integral part of their lives. We never think if we ever are going too far. The program mentions that in helping the kids with their stuff all the time, will make them dependable and incapable of making their own decisions in future. I thought that was rather a heavy statement. But maybe it is true. Sometimes, we have to let them figure out things on their own. I remember when I was young, I didn't always like people telling me what and how to do - yeah, at times even my parents too! But as a parent, sometimes I have to make an effort not to help out my son when he is making an effort. It is hard!!

I know that it is instinctive for the parents to help their kids. But all the time and every time is probably not a good idea. The program mentioned of the instances where the employees actually brought their parents for salary negotiations, employee redressal etc.. I thought that was a little extreme! But ever wondered how and when it might have started? Hmmm...

20 years ago kids used to walk to school all the time even here in the US. But these days, parents drop their kids to school even it is a quarter-mile away. I guess, it is easy to roll our eyes and think that it was different in our time. But maybe it also stems from the world itself being not as safe as it used to be. Well, they all are shades of gray! To reflect upon our parenting and whether there is a need to bring about stability is definitely something to think about!