Insidious Parents Guide: 8 Things They Do That You Never Noticed

As a parent, you want what's best for your child. You want them to be happy, healthy, and successful. But sometimes, in our efforts to protect and provide for our children, we can unknowingly do things that are actually harmful to them.

These insidious parenting practices can be difficult to spot, because they're often done with the best of intentions. But they can have a lasting negative impact on your child's development.

Here are eight insidious parenting practices to watch out for:

1. Over-parenting

Over-parenting is a term used to describe parents who are overly involved in their child's life. They may hover over their child, constantly monitoring their activities and making decisions for them. Over-parenting can stifle a child's independence and self-reliance. It can also lead to anxiety and depression.

According to a study by the University of Michigan, over-parenting is on the rise. The study found that parents today are more likely to spend time with their children, help them with their homework, and make decisions for them than parents in the past.

2. Helicopter parenting

Helicopter parenting is a type of over-parenting in which parents are constantly hovering over their child, trying to protect them from any harm. Helicopter parents may follow their child to school, monitor their every move, and even intervene in their social interactions. Helicopter parenting can be extremely damaging to a child's development. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, helicopter parenting is associated with a number of negative outcomes for children, including:

• Lower academic achievement
• Poorer social skills
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Decreased self-reliance

3. Tiger parenting

Tiger parenting is a type of parenting in which parents are extremely demanding of their children. They may push their child to excel in academics, sports, or other activities. Tiger parents often use harsh punishments to motivate their child. Tiger parenting can lead to a number of problems for children, including:

• Anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem
• Eating disorders
• Substance abuse

According to a study by the University of California, Los Angeles, tiger parenting is associated with a number of negative outcomes for children, including:

• Lower academic achievement
• Poorer social skills
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Decreased self-reliance

4. Lawn-mower parenting

Lawn-mower parenting is a term used to describe parents who remove all obstacles from their child's path. They may do their child's homework for them, help them with their social interactions, and even clear their schedule so that they can focus on their studies. Lawn-mower parenting can lead to a number of problems for children, including:

• Lack of resilience
• Difficulty coping with stress
• Lack of independence
• Low self-esteem

According to a study by the University of Maryland, lawn-mower parenting is associated with a number of negative outcomes for children, including:

• Lower academic achievement
• Poorer social skills
• Increased anxiety and depression
• Decreased self-reliance

5. Free-range parenting

Free-range parenting is a term used to describe parents who give their child a lot of freedom and independence. They may allow their child to walk to school alone, play outside unsupervised, and make their own decisions. Free-range parenting can be beneficial for children in many ways. It can help them develop independence, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills. However, free-range parenting can also be risky. Children who are left unsupervised may be more likely to get into accidents, be abducted, or be exposed to dangerous situations.

According to a study by the University of New Hampshire, free-range parenting is associated with a number of positive outcomes for children, including:

• Higher academic achievement
• Better social skills
• Increased independence
• Greater self-reliance

However, the study also found that free-range parenting is associated with a slightly increased risk of accidents and injuries.

6. Attachment parenting

Attachment parenting is a type of parenting that emphasizes the importance of close physical contact between parent and child. Attachment parents may breastfeed their child for an extended period of time, co-sleep with their child, and carry their child in a sling or carrier. Attachment parenting can be beneficial for children in many ways. It can help them feel secure, loved, and bonded to their parents. However, attachment parenting can also be challenging. It can be difficult to maintain close physical contact with a child as they get older. Attachment parents may also face criticism from others who do not understand their parenting style.

According to a study by the University of Notre Dame, attachment parenting is associated with a number of positive outcomes for children, including:

• Higher academic achievement
• Better social skills
• Increased independence
• Greater self-reliance

However, the study also found that attachment parenting is associated with a slightly increased risk of sleep problems and separation anxiety.

7. Peaceful parenting

Peaceful parenting is a type of parenting that emphasizes the importance of respect, cooperation, and non-violence. Peaceful parents may use gentle discipline techniques, such as time-outs or positive reinforcement. They may also try to resolve conflicts with their child through negotiation and compromise. Peaceful parenting can be beneficial for children in many ways. It can help them learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully, develop empathy, and build strong relationships with others. However, peaceful parenting can also be challenging. It can be difficult to stay calm and patient when you are frustrated with your child. Peaceful parents may also face criticism from others who believe that they are too lenient.

According to a study by the University of Washington, peaceful parenting is associated with a number of positive outcomes for children, including:

• Higher academic achievement
• Better social skills
• Increased independence
• Greater self-reliance

However, the study also found that peaceful parenting is associated with a slightly increased risk of behavioral problems.

8. Authoritative parenting

Authoritative parenting is a type of parenting that strikes a balance between authoritarian parenting and permissive parenting. Authoritative parents are firm, but they are also fair and loving. They set limits for their child, but they also allow their child to have some freedom and independence. Authoritative parenting can be beneficial for children in many ways. It can help them learn how to self-regulate their behavior, develop a sense of responsibility, and build strong relationships with their parents. However, authoritative parenting can also be challenging. It can be difficult to find the right balance between firmness and flexibility. Authoritative parents may also face criticism from others who believe that they are too strict or too lenient.

According to a study by the University of Minnesota, authoritative parenting is associated with a number of positive outcomes for children, including:

• Higher academic achievement
• Better social skills
• Increased independence
• Greater self-reliance

However, the study also found that authoritative parenting is associated with a slightly increased risk of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

Parenting is a challenging and rewarding experience. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, and what works for one child may not work for another. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of different parenting styles so that you can make informed decisions about how to raise your child.