The article discusses a family's decision to grant their 10-year-old son increased independence by allowing him to go to various local places without adult supervision. This shift began during the pandemic and now encompasses activities like biking to the library, visiting the YMCA, and going to an arcade. The parents emphasize this approach as a contrast to the helicopter parenting style, citing research that links over-supervision to negative mental health outcomes in children. They value fostering autonomy in a supportive and safe community environment.
Allowing our children a measure of independence is our conscious but unfussy contrast with the helicopter parenting approach...Research backs us up - a 2018 study showed that children of parents who hover over their every activity are more prone to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
When my son turned 10 in 2024, he entered a new measure of independence. He is now welcome to go on his own to places that had previously required a grownup to accompany him.
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