{"id":2821,"date":"2018-10-16T07:00:44","date_gmt":"2018-10-16T07:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging7.kidpreneurs.org\/?p=2821"},"modified":"2018-10-16T07:00:44","modified_gmt":"2018-10-16T07:00:44","slug":"stop-micromanaging-kids-start-empowering-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wecreatedesign.co\/dev\/WP\/kidpreneurs\/stop-micromanaging-kids-start-empowering-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Stop Micromanaging Kids, Start Empowering Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

The remarkable benefits of play, trial and error, and risk taking in raising confident kids.<\/em><\/p>\n

The helicopter parent. The hoverer. The overparenter. <\/p>\n

While social media has painted a not-so-pretty picture of overprotective parents, the reality is we have all been there at some point.<\/p>\n

You know you\u2019ve been a helicopter parent if any of this feels familiar: At the park, you watch your kid\u2019s every move on the playground. If they so much as attempt to skip a rung on the ladder, you are already behind them, steadying your arms to break a fall. You pick out their perfectly-matched outfits, (gently) dictate the way they eat their snacks, and cringe when they color outside the lines. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Welcome to parenthood: we ALL cringe when they color outside the lines.<\/p>\n

Usually, it happens with your first kid. And, hey, I get it. We become a parent and, BOOM, are instantly equipped with an innate sense of wanting to protect our most cherished gift. No shame in that game.<\/p>\n

But so-called helicopter parenting can take protection to all new levels and leave a child eventually feeling stifled in their exploration. Parents with good intentions believe that this style of parenting ensures their children always feel supported and loved. But remember that love, ultimately, allows space. <\/p>\n

For kids, their natural instinct is to examine the world and learn by trial and error. If their choices are continually intercepted then they can actually grow to be far less independent. And may end up doubting their own capabilities and choices.<\/p>\n

If we want to be a culture that supports a young child\u2019s efforts to be creative, experiment with ideas, and eventually start their own business then we have to remember to give them room to 1) make mistakes 2) discover their own boundaries and limitations (or lack thereof) 3) develop healthy independence.<\/p>\n

Here are a few helpful tips for striking the balance between keeping kids safe from harm and allowing them to traverse the landscape of childhood with freedom.<\/p>\n

Learn Through Play<\/h2>\n

I know, I know. The idea of any more \u201cglitter-fied\u201d crafts (you\u2019ll be finding glitter for months) or one more slime project is enough to drive any parent bonkers. But despite the mess and mayhem, playful activity\u00a0can be incredibly meaningful.<\/p>\n

We become adults and often forget how meaningful play was as a child. Through the art of play, kids with big ideas can often work out solutions to problems or even come up with inventions.<\/p>\n

Truly, play is how a Kidpreneur is born!<\/p>\n

To help your child (of any age) maxmine the social, physical, and developmental benefits of play take a step back and remember to:<\/p>\n