Appropriate time to start promoting autonomy

Overprotection is when parents tend to be overly protective of their children, limiting their ability to take risks and face challenges. While it is understandable that parents want to keep their children safe, overprotection can have negative consequences on their development. In this session, we will discuss the risks of overprotection and how to avoid it.

Concept of overprotection

Overprotection refers to excessive care that results in preventing children from facing complex situations or making risky decisions. Overprotective parents tend to act with constant anxiety and worry, which often ends up being transmitted to their children.

Negative impact of overprotection

While it is natural to want to protect children, overprotection can hinder their development. Children who grow up in this environment tend to be more insecure and dependent, with difficulty making autonomous decisions. In addition, their emotional and social development may suffer as they are unable to learn from their experiences and challenges.

Reduced self-esteem

Overprotection can lead children to feel that they are not capable of doing things for themselves. If parents always make decisions for them, children may lose confidence in their abilities. This lack of confidence can limit their willingness to take on new challenges, negatively affecting their self-esteem.

Limiting independence

When parents restrict their children's autonomy by being overprotective, children do not develop the ability to make decisions or learn from their mistakes. This can impact their ability to solve problems and think critically, hindering their ability to face future challenges.

Problems in social development

Children who have been overprotected often have difficulty developing social and emotional competen