I read a great article from a recent Time magazine about the growing backlash against "overparenting" -- those who take too much of an interest in their child's growth.
As Em is transitioning from a baby to a toddler (and more of a kid), Brent and I are finding that it's less about just doing everything we can to keep her happy and smiling, and more about teaching her right and wrong. Instead of just moving her away from our wall heater, which isn't on yet, we try to explain that it's hot and dangerous while we move her away.
It's hard not to hear about the latest parenting trends and wonder if we're keeping up with the Joneses, particularly when those Joneses are alllll about the "helicopter parenting" described in the article. But it's all about keeping it in perspective, and the Joneses don't really matter. Not talking about the ACTUAL Joneses I know, btw. THOSE Joneses are fabulous!
Brent and I are learning as we go, discovering a parenting style that works for us. We remind ourselves that what's right for other parents may not be right for our family. (I wanted to infuse this post with some examples, but I don't have the energy tonight to do it the way I'd like to without potentially offending other parents for their own choices.)
We're finding that balance of guiding Em and showing her the way, and letting her discover it for herself. As the Time article noted, "You really want your children to succeed? Learn when to leave them alone. When you lighten up, they'll fly higher. We're often the ones who hold them down."
"What I dream of is an art of balance." - Henri Matisse
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