Overprotective Parenting: 5 Signs You Might Be An Elephant Parent

Overprotective Parenting: 5 Signs You Might Be An Elephant Parent

24 Feb 2023 | 4 min Read

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 1053 Articles

Parenting is a challenging task, and every parent has their own parenting style. While some parents believe in overprotective parenting, some are strict and authoritative, while others may choose to be lenient and permissive. 

In recent years, the term “Elephant Parenting” has gained popularity, and many parents are wondering if they fall under this category. Do you think you are one of them? Check out these 5 signs.

What is Elephant Parenting?

Elephant parenting is a parenting style that focuses on being over-protective of children, similar to how elephants are over-protective of their young. This parenting style is also known as “helicopter parenting” or “lawnmower parenting.”

Elephant parents tend to be highly involved in their children’s lives and are always looking out for their well-being. While this parenting style may seem caring and loving, it can also have negative effects on children’s development.

5 Signs That You Are An Elephant Parent

1. You constantly worry about your child’s safety and well-being.

If you find yourself constantly worrying about your child’s safety and well-being, you may be an Elephant Parent. While it’s natural to be concerned about your child’s safety, being overprotective can hinder their development. 

Children need to experience the world around them and learn from their mistakes. Overprotective parents can prevent their children from developing essential life skills and independence.

Overprotective Parenting
Overprotective parents can prevent their children from developing resilience and coping skills/ Image source: freepik

2. You do everything for your child.

Elephant parents tend to do everything for their children, from making their bed to packing their lunch. While it’s essential to teach children how to do things for themselves, overprotective parents can prevent their children from developing essential life skills. Children need to learn how to do things for themselves so they can become independent and self-sufficient adults.

3. You are always hovering over your child.

If you find yourself constantly hovering over your child, you may be an Elephant Parent. Helicopter parenting can prevent children from developing essential life skills and independence.

Children need to learn how to solve problems on their own and make decisions without their parents’ help. Overprotective parents can prevent their children from developing these skills and hinder their growth.

4. You are overly involved in your child’s life.

Elephant parents tend to be highly involved in their children’s lives, from their schoolwork to their social activities. While it’s important to be involved in your child’s life, being over-involved can hinder their development.

Children need to learn how to make decisions on their own and take responsibility for their actions. Overprotective parents can prevent their children from developing these essential life skills.

5. You have high expectations for your child.

If you have high expectations for your child and become upset when they don’t meet them, you may be an Elephant Parent. While it’s important to have expectations for your child, being overly demanding can put too much pressure on them.

Children need to have room to make mistakes and learn from them. Overprotective parents can prevent their children from developing resilience and coping skills.

Elephant parenting is a parenting style that focuses on being overprotective of children. While it may seem caring and loving, it can also have negative effects on children’s development.

Protect your child from mosquito bites with a natural mosquito repellent.

Also Read:

7 Ways Kids Act Naughty But Aren’t: Know the reasons behind their misbehaviour.

What Do To If Toddler Refuses To Sleep Alone At Night?. Here’s how you can help your toddler to sleep alone.

Cover image source: freepik

A

gallery
send-btn

Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.