I just finished reading an article by my friend Dr. Neill Neill that really grabbed my attention. His article is Help Your Kids Grow, and Then Let Them Go. What really hit home for meis the importance of letting your children make their own mistakes and don’t fall into the trap of trying to protect them and gain control as they get older. They will natually rebel. Ideally as our children grow we should grow with them our relationships needs to become more supportive and encouraging. This can be very hard and I want to help and protect my kids.
As a parent with two great young children I have the natural tendancy to want to protect them. I see my son who is four years old growing up before my eyes. When I try to help him, many times he retorts, "I can do it myself". Wow I just say to myself. I really need to learn to back off a bit and be more encouraging. It is important as he grows I become more of a coach and more intune with his emotional growth. As I reflect on the article and my own family, it is apparent the need to build a trusting relationship with my kids early on, and to teach children responsibility and accountability for their actions. If someone is overprotective and hinders their child’s growth, it is going to become very difficult later in life for that child to succeed. If a parent does not recognize that their parenting approach needs to change as their child changes there may be a lot of resentment and hostility in the child’s teenage years when they natually become more independant. I never thought I would be so overprotective, I just don’t want my kids to make the same mistakes as I did.
The best thing a parent can do is install good values in their children early in life, and the best way to teach them is through living by example. Children tend to emulate and immitate the actions of their parents, I can already see this in my young son. The best advice I can give myself in this night of reflection is not only to talk the talk but walk the walk and set an example that my sons will carry through with them into their adult life. That is the best any parent can hope for.
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Parenting Secrets
How can I teach my child responsibility and accountability?
Table of Contents
Start early and lead by example. Children learn to be responsible and accountable for their actions best when they see it modeled at home — kids tend to emulate what their parents actually do, not just what they say. Instilling good values early and letting your child take ownership of their choices lays a foundation they’ll carry into adulthood.
Why is leading by example so important in parenting?
Because children imitate the actions of their parents. The simple takeaway is to not just “talk the talk” but “walk the walk.” The example you set every day is one of the most powerful teaching tools you have, and it’s what your kids carry with them into their own adult lives.
Should I let my child make their own mistakes?
Within reason, yes. Trying to protect your child from every mistake and hold on to control as they grow often backfires — kids naturally push for independence and may rebel against it. Allowing them to make, and learn from, their own mistakes helps them grow into capable, self-reliant adults.
How should my parenting change as my child gets older?
Your role should gradually shift from protector to coach. As children grow, the relationship needs to become more supportive and encouraging, and more in tune with their emotional growth. Parents who don’t adjust their approach as their child changes often meet resentment and hostility in the teen years, when kids naturally become more independent.
Greetings! I’m Kevin, the founder and chief editor of More4Kids International, a comprehensive resource for parents worldwide. My mission is to equip parents with the tools and insights they need to raise exceptional children.
As a father to two incredible sons, I’ve experienced the rollercoaster of parenthood, and it’s these experiences that drive my dedication to making More4Kids a trusted guide for parents. Our platform offers a wealth of information, from time-saving parenting hacks to nutritious meal plans for large families, and strategies for effective communication with teenagers.
Beyond my professional role, I’m a devoted parent who champions the concept of an abundance mindset in raising resilient, successful children. I’m committed to fostering this mindset in my own children and am passionate about inspiring other parents to do the same.
Join me on this rewarding journey as we explore the complexities of parenthood together. Through More4Kids, we’re raising the next generation of remarkable children and strengthening families, one parenting tip at a time.
More4kids is written for parents by parents.
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