As a parent, you want only the best for your child. Naturally, you never want to see them suffer. Yet at the same time, you know that you can’t protect them from all of the challenges and problems they will eventually face in life. It’s hard to strike the delicate balance between protecting your child when the situation warrants you stepping in, and allowing them to develop their resilience by facing obstacles on their own.

How can you guide your child and look out for their well-being without overstepping your boundaries and becoming overprotective? Making these decisions is a lifelong learning journey. Here are a few tips that can help you along the way.

Resist Overprotective Impulses

When your child is dealing with a problem, resist the temptation to immediately step in and solve it on their behalf. Instead, take a step back and see if your child has the ability to take care of it on their own. This does not mean you can’t give your child advice on dealing with a situation, but sometimes, children can perceive your direct involvement as meddling and overbearing.

It’s important to give children the opportunity to stand on their own two feet. Sometimes, they may genuinely need you to handle a situation for them. But first, you can give them the chance to grow and learn by overcoming obstacles by themselves.

Respect Your Child’s Privacy

If you suspect that your child is struggling with their mental health, you might be tempted to check their phone or look for a journal or other place where they might have written about their problems. You may even try to listen in on their conversations with their friends and siblings.

These thoughts are understandable. Yet respecting your child’s privacy is crucial at times like these. Do not pry into their private belongings. If you do so, and they find out, it could cause resentment and a rift in your relationship.

Create Safe Spaces for Conversations

You may be committed to protecting your child’s privacy. You’ve promised yourself that you won’t rifle through their personal belongings. But at the same time, you do still want to find out what’s going on in your child’s life that’s upsetting them.

It’s important to create the time and space to have these conversations without anyone else around, so that your child feels safe talking about their emotions. Find room in your schedule to spend extra time with your child.

Managing Your Reactions to Your Child’s Distress

What if your child does share that they’re struggling with their mental health, or that their feelings of anxiety or depression are connected to bullying or harassment? Reacting with anger may be your first instinct. But it’s crucial to resist these feelings, if only momentarily.

If your child begins to associate opening up about their emotions with angry reactions from you, they might be hesitant to share their feelings again in the future.

Know When to Reach Out for Help

Remember, there are times when intervening and reaching out for help are absolutely the smartest course of action. You may not be equipped to support your child with a particular situation all by yourself. You don’t have any obligation to navigate these tough issues alone. It’s okay to make the call that your child could benefit from a therapist. Connecting with a therapist is not overbearing. There is no shame in asking for help, and sometimes, it’s exactly what your child needs.

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Are you concerned about your child’s mental health? It may be time to speak to a therapist. Connect with us today to learn more about our child therapy services.