6 tips for not becoming an overprotective mother

Overprotective mothers, problem children. As the child’s personality is formed between 0 and 7 years old, parents must be – very – careful not to harm their child’s development with excessive care.

What is taught by parents during this period of childhood is critical. For child psychologist Ana Cristina de Souza, parents should always impose limits, set rules and set good examples: “Ethical, moral principles and values ​​are the basis of character, and should come from the cradle. Never ignore what the child does wrong: everything must be discussed”.

6 tips for not becoming an overprotective mother:

1. Everything in excess is bad
Love, care, protection, and problem-solving help build emotional security for your child. But if the dose is too big, he will suffocate. You will be able to raise a child, a young person and even a dependent adult, who does not take the initiative for anything, since mommy does everything for him. Or a person revolted by the lack of space to demonstrate their personality, their ideas and have their independence. Remember: Balance is the keyword!

2. Set limits
Every child “tests” their parents, to see how far they can go. If you don’t set limits, she feels like she owns the situation. And she may, over time, resort to emotional blackmail, lying and/or aggression. Don’t be afraid to say “no”! Play, show your love and affection, but don’t set aside rules, responsibilities and, above all, limits. Nobody wants a spoiled or spoiled child, right?

3. Don’t let your child become a doll
There are two forms of maternal overprotection: symbiotic, when the mother and child are unable to move away, and parasitic, when the mother does not let go of the offspring. Excessive care can come from insecurity or fear, which makes the mother not let the child sleep alone, pack up her school supplies, go to a friend’s house… If this becomes uncontrollable, look for a therapist.

4. Don’t stop your child from taking some risks
Responsibility and initiative are important in your child’s development. You can give advice, tell your experiences, but he will have to face obstacles and take some risks, yes! And more: getting frustrated when something doesn’t work out. If you put him in a glass dome, he won’t know how to deal with the problems and challenges that life brings.

5. Know how to deal with the problems of each phase
Overprotected children between 0 and 6 years old tend to be shy and self-centered (thinking only of themselves). From the age of 7 to adolescence, aggressiveness and difficulty in showing feelings may arise. And from the age of 18 onwards, a lot of insecurity and problems in relationships with others. Act before all this happens!

6. Don’t create reasons to be overzealous
There are several explanations for those who are too protective of their child: feelings of guilt for having rejected the pregnancy or the baby, having waited many years for the child to be born, suffering for the death of a child, thinking that the heir is pursued by bad luck and others. – and so on. Don’t lean on those crutches! Your child is a person who is starting his own story, who must have his own experiences, and not annul or rebel because of excessive care and lack of limits. Think about it.