I kept wondering how would I handle this topic? How would I start? Let me make attempt by defining few things. One of the challenging factors in the family today is parenting. It's easily said than done. Sometimes I marvel at how some young people are anxious to marry without paying adequate attention to some critical things and build up themselves emotionally, financially and otherwise. When you aren't properly prepared for parenting you would mess up the whole process. Before I proceed, let's quickly look at the definition;
what's helicopter parenting? This is a kind of parenting that involves parents dictating, directing and controlling their children. Virtually everything is done by the parents while the children are just passive. It's an act of being over protective and control over the children. In fact every instructions and statements comes from the parents all in an attempt to safe guard the children.
This kind of parenting is good for child's development however there's need for balance considering the kind of society we have today. Well is not possible to say you would be everywhere at the same time to monitor the affairs of your children but the fundamental thing is to ensure that the basis is properly laid.
One of the instinct I saw from my parents while I was growing up is this kind of parenting. Sometimes they wished to follow me wherever I go to. As I kept growing, they changed their minds and decided to be praying for me instead of just doing the helicopter parenting. They left me alone to face the reality of life so that I would be properly built.
Just this afternoon we were discussing with my wife concerning how some children are brought up by their parent. We have been staying with this family for quite a couple of years now. He had beautiful girls with just a son. He makes sure that their basic needs are provided sufficiently according to his capacity.
We thought he has invested so much in their lives so that they can be on their own to handle critical matters out there. One of them gained admission to the university. When she got there, everything about her changed completely. she does whatever she wants since there's no one to police her over there.
how can we be good parents without being over protective?
The way God created us, he endowed us with some unique features that differentiates us from others. There are other measures we can use to have the best from our children than being a detector.
- As I said earlier, prayer is key. There are things we can't do but prayers would do more and fortify other areas.
- We can also demonstrate genuine love to the children instead of being hostile or shouting and giving plenty direction. The Bible says love covers multitude of sins. The more we show them love the more their affection and emotions is channelled in the right direction.
- Let inculcate the spirit of mentorship. Let's act more so that our live style will be an undoubtedly template for them to learn from.
Conclusively, learn to engage your children in productive talk, show them love, pray for them instead of being over protective. Balance is key here.
all pictures are my own.
Thank you for reading through my entry.