Explainer: What is overparenting? Here's how to identify if you are doing it

Ok parents, it's self-evaluation time. Let’s sit back and introspect. Do you find yourself constantly hovering over your child to ensure they're making the “right” decisions, protecting them from any discomfort, and even preventing them from facing the consequences of their own behaviour and actions?

If the answer to any of these scenarios is a yes, you may be overparenting.

Of course, your parenting style is intended for the best of your child, but what we may not realise now is that this can have not-so-good consequences for your child. Read on to find out if you could be overparenting your child and maybe it is time for you to take a step back.

Overparenting is when a parent tries to micromanage their child’s life – choices, decisions and even their behaviour and actions. It usually happens because the parent is unable to see their child get hurt, fail, or make a mistake. It could also be because you are maybe too gentle as a parent and feel guilty about disciplining their child for their actions.

Overparenting may lead to unfavourable consequences for you and your kid. Which is why you should think twice the next time you become overprotective.

A hypervigilant and overindulgent parenting style can have serious consequences on your child’s personality development.

The kid may become overly dependent on their parents, especially for basic things for which they should be independent and self-reliant.

Your child may be too weak to accept failure, and may not be resilient to face hardships that they will have to face sooner or later.

Overprotection can prevent your child from identifying and developing their potential skills to learn how to protect and stand up for themselves, bravely. What’s more, your kids may not learn to take responsibility for the natural consequences of their own actions.

With these potential risks in mind, here's how to identify if you may be overparenting.

Read more: Parenting styles that may be turning you into a bad parent

Do most of your comments regarding your child's choices and decisions end up with the two of you arguing or slamming doors?

Frequent power struggles with your child could be a sign that you’re being too picky or too demanding.

By interfering too much in your child’s choices – such as what they eat, what they wear, who they are friends with – you may be preventing them from developing the independence they need.

Yes, you have seen the world and know what is probably the best way around every problem. So should you make all decisions for your kid?

We understand it's hard to take a step back, especially when it comes to your child's well-being, happiness and comfort. But you have got to let them tumble, make mistakes and even get hurt, to really learn how to tackle life.

Sometimes, kids need to experience failure firsthand. This will truly teach them how they can do things differently and in better ways in the future.

Read more: Why is your kid falling sick so often? How should you handle fever at home?

It’s completely natural for a parent to worry about their child’s well-being, especially when they are away from them. Signs like constantly worrying about your child – especially when they are at school or in the park or have gone out with their friends – can easily be assumed as only being a loving and caring parent.

However, there are chances you may be overparenting, especially if other parents seem “too relaxed” or maybe “laidback” to you.

Excessive worrying can prevent your child from enjoying, learning, growing and exploring themselves and their life in a healthy way. If you don’t treat your child like a smart human being, you may be preventing them from reaching their full potential.