Parents Who Worry Too Much

Sometimes parents can worry too much or start to think of their otherwise healthy child as fragile. They may feel as if their child needs special attention or protection. This may be because of prematurity or a bout with a serious illness. This can harm a child's developing sense of independence and confidence. Try to strike a balance between being supportive and letting your child do things for themselves. Here are some things you can do to avoid being overprotective.

• Try to interact with your child as if they had not encountered any problems.
• During the first two years of life, use the child's "corrected age" to set expectations. This is the age your child would be if they had been born on their due date. For instance, if your baby is ten months old and was born three months early, set your expectations for a seven month old. After age two, you do not need to correct for prematurity.
• Get them to play with other children their age. Playgrounds and play groups are good places for children to learn how to get along with other children.
• Support your child's independence. Offer choices so they can make their own decisions.
• Praise them when they do something on their own.
• Let them make mistakes. Getting a skinned knee or feeling frustrated lets them feel independent as they master new skills.
• Don't rush to them every time they are upset. Always be there, but allow your child to ask for help or comfort.
• Set appropriate limits and be consistent with them.
• Let them speak for themselves and have their own opinions.
• Don't use baby talk with them.