Intrusive parenting, also known as helicopter parenting, is when the parents try to exercise psychological control and adopt manipulative tactics on their children. This kind of parenting can have negative effect on children and adolescents.
National University of Singapore researchers discovered that the kids with intrusive parents or perfectionists at home may become more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. In fact, as they grow older, they become highly self-critical too.
Lead author of the study, assistant professor Ryan Hong, says that when parents keep hovering over their child's life, it is a sign for them that no matter what they do, it is never going to be enough. As a result, the children become overcautious as they are scared to make even the slightest mistake. They also often beat themselves up for not being perfect.
This kind of maladaptive perfectionism can be very harmful for your child's wellbeing as it sometimes increases the risk of developing depression, anxiety and in some cases even suicide, Hong added.
In the five-year long study, Hong and his team of researchers observed parents and their children's behavior. According to their study findings, in a study that puts a lot of emphasis on academic excellence, parents may end up having unreal expectations from their children. This is the reason why high number of children are extremely fearful of committing errors, because they think that they are supposed to be perfect.
According to Hong, the parents must be careful to hammer their children to get high grades and must provide healthy environment to encourage learning. He also added that committing mistake is a part of learning process. Furthermore, Hong says that the parents should always first praise the achievement of their children and then turn to their mistakes. This will give them an opportunity to learn from it.
Needless to say, supportive parenting can go a long way in benefiting children. Those who get positive attention from their parents have higher incomes, better morality, increased happiness and more confidence as they grow up.
