Deborah Gilboa, MD LETTING GO Without Giving In
If you could wave a magic wand... What do you want for your child’s future?
hap·pi· ness: noun good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy INGREDIENTS: 1.Confidence 2.Competence 3.Relationships
If your child could wave a magic wand... What does she want to be allowed to DO?
WHY DO WE SAY NO?
6 WHY WOULD WE LET THEM TRY? Proves independence Leads to competence Builds relationship Teaches resilience.
STATS Sallie Mae study of undergrads: average credit card balance is $3,173 US Census Bureau: 2010 adults age living at home ↑26% to 5.9mil >2/3 parents give their adult children $$$ support (doubled in 20 yrs)
CULTURE OF “SUCCESSFUL” FAMILIES The Myth: “Getting involved will make us both feel better!” The Truth: Stepping back helps kids become adults.
SOURCE: Journal of Child and Family Studies, Feb 2013
“Students who reported having over- controlling parents reported significantly higher levels of depression and less satisfaction with life. Furthermore, the negative effects of helicopter parenting on college students’ well-being were largely explained by the perceived violation of students’ basic psychological needs for autonomy and competence.” THE COST
WHAT ADULTS KNOW Childhood is for learning: Independence Competence How to build relationships Stepping back a little strengthens kids. Independence → RESILIENCE
Love Empathy Helpfulness Greater resources Experience Habit Genuine enjoyment Fear Responsibility Overwhelming Deteriorating Future consequences Risking the relationship GUIL T. WHY DO WE STEP IN?
ONE STEP BACK Skill building Chores Homework Food Errands Extra-curriculars Relationship building Siblings Friends Other adults Problem-solving
RESILIENCE CHALLENGES Mistakes Accidents Pain Social consequences Judgment from other parents Haters 11:00 News…
WHAT ADULTS NEED TO REMEMBER Adult involvement supports Safety Growth Learning Adult intervention harms Confidence Competence Relationships
GUIDE THEIR PLAN Let life teach the lesson! Praise the process. Play “What if?” Read a book or watch a show. What would you tell a friend? “I’ll be really interested to see what you do!”
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