From helicopter parent to actually trusting my kids

Jun 22·1 min read

Realized I was controlling every aspect of my kids' lives and they were becoming anxious wrecks. Started backing off, letting them make mistakes, letting them be bored sometimes. It's uncomfortable as hell because my anxiety goes crazy but they're becoming actual people with interests and opinions instead of just extensions of me. I miss the feeling of control honestly. That's weird to admit. But they're happier and that matters more.

4 comments156 views

Comments(4)

EEric M.RegularJun 24

Big respect for recognizing this and changing course. Anxiety in kids is real and it sneaks up on you when you're just trying to protect them. Did your kids notice the shift right away or did it take time for them to open up again?

BBradRegularJun 23

This is the hardest part of parenting nobody talks about. Glad you figured it out because anxious kids turn into anxious adults.

RRobertRegularJun 23

Dude I still struggle with this constantly. It's like my brain wants to control everything to keep them safe but I'm probably doing the opposite. What helped you actually trust them more?

JJosh M.RegularJun 23

This one hits me hard because I know I'm guilty of this. My daughter won't even try new things without asking if it's okay first and it kills me. How did you actually let go? Like what was the first thing you just stopped micromanaging?