As a parent, it can often be difficult to find the balance of being protective and then going past the point where it can be a little overbearing and frustrating to your child or children. Here are some tips on how to be a protective but not over-protective parent.

Give Them Their Space

We can get used to our children from an early age, being very attached to us, and that relationship will never change (hopefully). Even when your children at adults, they’ll still see their parents as someone that they rely on. However, there will come times where your child will be frustrated and want their own space. Instead of invading their privacy, it’s important to give them time alone to themselves. It shows that you respect them and that you’re willing to give them that space that they need in order to find their way back to feeling better.

Subtly Monitor Their Internet Activity

Keeping track of their internet activity is important, especially when they are still at an age where their awareness of the dangers out there, might still be naive. You can track your family online, just like you would a friend, family, or partner when you’re using the ‘find a friend’ app on your phone. Even though you wouldn’t do it for all of your friends, it’s good to make sure you know where your children are at all times. Should your child ever get into a situation where they need picking up or are lost, it’s a good option to have, even if you have guilt over invading their privacy. It might be worth telling them at a point where they’re adult enough to understand why it’s needed.

Make Sure They Know You’re There For Them

As a parent, there’s going to be times where they need you and times where they don’t. After spending years in the position where they rely on you for everything, it can sometimes be hard to let go of that level of responsibility. However, it’s good to let them know that regardless, you’re always going to be there for them, no matter what. Life goes on but no matter where they go in life or how old they get, they’ll always be able to come to you for advice and support when needed.

Teach Them To Be Good To Others

Being good to others is an essential life skill, and when it comes to being protective, you want to be able to teach them those life skills that they are going to use positively in the future. So think about what you’d like to teach them as parents and how you’d like them to treat others. Being protective over their actions and choices is expected, but it’s good to continue to teach them between right and wrong.

Whatever you’re doing for your child, being protective of your child or children is something that all parents do. Sometimes you may feel like you’re going a little too far, but when it comes to your children, they are your world!


Vicky Charles

Vicky is a single mother, writer and card reader.

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