What if wanting to overprotect your child could actually be harmful? This is demonstrated by the new trend of “snowplow parents” that has emerged from the United States.
Snowplow Parents: A Method That Raises Questions
A new way of parenting called “snowplow parents” is emerging from the United States. These parents aim to remove all obstacles from their child’s life. Their goal is for their child to never feel sad, stressed, or face difficulties.
If a homework assignment is too challenging, they will do it for their child. If their child has a conflict with a peer, they call the school. If their child experiences disappointment, they seek a scapegoat. Everything is done to ensure that their child never experiences any negativity or feels at fault.
Unlike “helicopter parents” (who oversee everything), snowplow parents act preemptively to prevent any problems. While this behavior may seem kind-hearted at first glance, it may not necessarily be beneficial for the child’s development.
Too Much Protection?
Education specialists are concerned, explaining that this approach may prevent children from growing normally. As children, they need to make mistakes, fail, learn, and solve problems on their own.
In attempting to protect them from everything, these parents make their children more vulnerable. Later on, these young individuals may struggle to manage on their own. Some may even ask their teachers to change their grades or insist that their parents call on their behalf for an interview. This method could lead to children who are less prepared for real life, where not everything goes as planned.
A Phenomenon Gradually Spreading to France
This trend is also gradually emerging in France. Educators report that parents want to choose their child’s friends and intervene even in the smallest details of their lives. From the start of preschool, some parents want to control everything. However, experts remind us that arguing, falling, and making mistakes is normal. This is how a child learns to become responsible and independent.
Trying too hard to do well can create the opposite effect. By removing all obstacles, snowplow parents can hinder their children from developing normally and learning to deal with difficulties. The child might even completely sever ties with their parents upon reaching adulthood…
