Counsellors Corner 

Are you a helicopter or supportive parent?

Parenting is sometimes like walking a tightrope. In many ways, it’s a balancing act. One thing we have to balance is the fine line between being a supportive parent and over-parenting.

How to Be a Supportive Parent

Over-parenting, sometimes called ‘helicopter parenting,’ involves overprotecting, overdirecting, pushing for perfection, limiting independence & personal responsibility and doing a lot of hand-holding. Overparenting can damage healthy development and lead to low self-esteem and high co-dependence.

A better alternative is supportive parenting, trusting that your child can do hard things and give them space and support. The supportive response offers empathy and helps the child to self-reflect as well as giving them an opportunity to practice problem-solving and take initiative.

The goal of supportive parenting is to instil confidence in your child and to equip them to handle hard things in the future. This excerpt is taken from a Big Life Journal resource. Big Life Journal Australia: Growth Mindset for Kids & Teens

These resources are very helpful for you and your child but there is a cost to you for certain products. You might also like to receive free flyers by email.