The family is a microcosm of the society in which it finds itself. We currently live in a paradigm that I often refer to as Fabian Socialism, a nanny state where the government interferes in just about every aspect of our lives under the guise of protecting us. But what it is really engendering is a state of learned helplessness whereby the citizens become as hopelessly dependent on the bureaucrats as a two-year-old does on its parents.
I see a direct correlation between Fabian Socialism and Helicopter Parenting. Both are unhealthy because they prevent people from maturing into responsible, self-actualized adults. And for someone who has spent her life in the pursuit of personal freedom, this is nothing short of a tragedy.
Over-protecting children is the flip side of neglect, and is just as harmful to the healthy development of a child.
http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/opinion/protecting-kids-from-childhood-1.4297653
Parenting is a never-ending maze of trial and error. As a parent finding the fine line between too much, too little and just right is at best daunting. The best advice I ever received was to read all the books and then make up my own mind on what fits for my child. I cannot stress enough the importance of being in tune with your child from a young age. Knowing you child well will help you draw the fine line. Also very helpful was a book on transitioning your children into independence as they mature called ”Drop the worry ball”. But I will say, that questions remain in my head most days: should I ask more of them? More chores? More autonomy? more discipline? Probably and to my great shame often I am too tired to ask for more and enforce it.