Today's Tip for Families

12-02-2022

Your Child May Not Always Need Rescuing

There are many descriptive words for overprotective parents: bulldozers, helicopters, etc. These parents stay close by their children. No matter what the activity their children are doing, they're ready to swoop in and rescue them at the first sign of trouble.

This behavior sends a message to the kids: "You can't do it without me." Children who know their parents will always be on call will always call on them for help. That means the kids will never learn how to handle situations by themselves ... or at least they'll never learn that they can handle situations by themselves.

As long as safety is not an issue, let your child try to solve problems independently. If your student gets stuck, ask "What else do you think you could try?" Ask more questions to help your child think through each option. Then let your child decide what to do.

Brought to you by:

Allegany-Limestone Central Schools

[School Success Ideas for Families]

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