Independence

I came across this article on Facebook over the weekend.

After reading through it I noticed how many differing opinions there were.  I must say that the author of the article is much like myself.  Although I'm not going to stand five feet away while my child is five feet in the air trying to go down the fire pole at the local park, I'm also not one to hoover over my children when they are playing.  I feel that there needs to be a good delicate balance between the two.  You can not be the helicopter hoovercraft nor the negligent parent.

 I have raised very well behaved independent children and feel that part of the reason they are independent is because I allow them to be.  I have taught them that it is ok to not succeed at something the first time.  They have the will and the desire to keep trying.  For example, my son shoots trap and his first year was not the best for him however he never gave up.  He kept going, kept trying and held his positive attitude all while trying to improve.  Bill did not hoover over him yet he still guided him.  He was not the negligent dad in the corner by any means but he was not the one whos child became angry at his dad because dad was practically trying to shoot for him.  Now, he is the one helping and encouraging the first year shooters...however he does not hoover.

As parents, we need to encourage our children to never give up the fight and will power to succeed.  If that means they need to use the steps instead of the climbing wall at the park then that is what that means.  They will keep trying and be even more proud of themselves when they can finally accomplish it!