How to Cut the Strings From Your Children

Have you ever been called an “overbearing parent”? If so, maybe you balked at the idea, thinking you could never be such a parent. Sometimes even though we might not want to see it, we become precisely what we say we do not want to be—including overbearing.

Being protective of your child is not necessarily a bad thing. However, there must come a time when you let your child go and allow him to make his own mistakes in life to learn from. This article presents some important points every parent should consider. If you are having trouble cutting the string between you and your child, start by applying some of these tips.

Give them room to grow.

Every parent wants what’s best for their child, as do you. But making every decision for your child as they grow older will only make them more co-dependent on you. As they begin to reach their adolescent and early adult years, they will be incapable of making even the simplest decisions without having you there to hold their hand. Give your child space to grow. Allow him to become a critical thinker and problem-solver.

Allow them to make mistakes.

No parent wants to see their child hurt or confused or angry or lonely. We know that, realistically, your child is going to experience many “bad” feelings throughout their lifetime, no matter what you to do try to prevent it from happening. Even though your child may not make the choice you’d like them to, allow them to make some decisions on their own. When they fail (and they will), be there to talk to them about their choice, and help them to see how it hurt them and what they can learn from it.

Say no.

As a parent of two children myself, I understand how difficult it is to tell your child no. There are times, though, when you must make a stand and do just that. As your child grows, you want them to develop strong minds and bodies. Giving in to their every whim will only be detrimental to them in the long run. Teach them responsibility and don’t give in to their every want.

Cutting those strings are hard. But your child will be better off for it in the long run. Don’t expect to be able to do it overnight. Give it time and work on it each day. Remember, you are their parent, not an appendage. While you are needed in their life, you have to be willing to let them go and let them learn about life in their own time and ways.