Fear Of Getting Rid Of Fear

Parenting is defined as “the process of taking care of children until they are old enough to take care of themselves” (“Parenting” 1). The world today is full of helicopter parents, overprotective parents who hover over their child’s every move. Helicopter parents make sure their child can get to dance class, violin lessons, the art show, and make it home in time to study for the math exam, which they will get a perfect score on, in one night. These parents strive to create the child who has it all, the prodigy. But when is enough enough? The boy on the jungle gym with the helmet and kneepads, usually a product of overparenting. The straight A student who grounds herself for achieving a score less than one hundred percent, usually a product …show more content…
Parents become infected with fear, “a kind of parenting fungus: invisible, insidious, perfectly designed to decompose the peace of mind” (Gibbs 5). Fear fogs a parent’s thoughts, actions, and judgment. Getting rid of fear can broaden a parent’s view on life and give the child greater opportunities. Having the fear of letting your child go to the park alone because he could get abducted is normal. But in today’s society, children “have a higher chance of getting hit by a meteorite than getting abducted by a stranger” (Mueller 1). Giving your child the freedom of going to the park alone can give them a greater sense of responsibility. Ellen Sandsester, a childhood professor in Norway, claims when children are left alone to complete tasks “they can take full responsibility for their actions, and the consequences of their decisions, it’s a thrilling experience” (qtd. in Rosin 8). When children are left to be independent, they thrive and make developmental …show more content…
When a child forgets his lunch, it is ok for the parent not to save the day and drop it off at school. Ann Cinzar, mother and wife, was stuck in a similar situation with her son. Ann thought “My next step is clear - leave it there. That is, of course, if I follow the new parenting mantra: Let your kids fail” (Cinzar 1). By letting children face the consequences of their actions, parents are helping them in the long run. James Lehman, a master of social work, believes feelings of discomfort actually do the child good; he comments “Look at it this way: when a child is feeling upset, frustrated, angry, or sad, they’re in a position to develop some important coping skills” (“Benefits 3). Children who feel discomfort learn not to repeat the similar actions that made them feel uncomfortable. A child who can fight battles without a parent’s help is a child who will go on to do great things. The social skills children learn on their own will help them succeed throughout their education and