This paper examines the literature on the consequences of parental overprotection of children. Several consequences are delineated and discussed. These include: failure to learn important insights needed for daily life; a sense of anger and frustration, general fearfulness and anxiety; substance abuse; paranoia; self-consciousness; self-obsession; lack of self-confidence and inner strength; emotional repression; depression; problem behaviors at school; failure to learn how to socially connect with others; neediness coupled with a demand for others to coddle them or give them special consideration in social settings; being picked on by school bullies; passive-aggressive behavior when thwarted; harsh language when thwarted; a tendency to see others as antagonists or enemies; academic problems, and social anxiety. The last section of the paper provides several recommendations to parents on how to avoid overprotecting their children. These include being totally honest with children, helping them to develop a personal sense of responsibility, helping them to fight their own battles, and embracing grace.
Clinton and Sibcy (2006) make the point that parents have to be aware of how they love their children and make sure that it is not the kind of love that leads them to overindulging the child, over-controlling the child, or overprotecting the child. Cloud and Townsend (2001) also warn parents against overprotecting their children and warn them to reflect on their own parenting motivations; the authors also warn parents to stop rescuing their kids from situations that might be tough but will operate to teach them insights they will need for life.
The failure of children to learn needed insights about life is only one of the many pitfalls associated with overprotection. The purpose of this paper is to delineate and discuss the multiple negative consequences associated with parents being overprotective of their children. The paper...