Comments on: Obsessive Parenting – Am I Guilty?

By: Emma @ P is for Preschooler

Emma @ P is for Preschooler — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 16:04:17 +0000

I think one way to avoid obsessive parenting is really understanding that kids learn and develop at their own rates. Don’t rush them, don’t force it, they will get there when they’re ready is most cases. Great post!

By: Toiia L. Rukuni

Toiia L. Rukuni — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 16:57:34 +0000

Hi Menucha, I am from the Blog Mojo Challenge. I think that it is a fine line between being an obsessive parent and an overly protective one, you are just trying to do what is best for you and your child, being a first time mom is a very difficult journey, and exciting at the same time. Keep up the good work!

By: Mary Walker

Mary Walker — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:56:14 +0000

I don’t think I was an obsessive parent. If anything I think I was too lenient. But you live and learn.

By: Martin Labud

Martin Labud — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:25:35 +0000

Menucha, thanks for this interesting article. I like your thoughts about following the middle path – from the advice of Maimonides. I like this idea of not trying to be perfect all the time, especially when it comes to our kids! I think that a lot of the problems in parenting comes precisely from demanding perfectionism in ourselves and in our kids. If I remember my childhood I was a pretty angry kid but when I really think about it I was spoiled a bit and did receive a lot of love. The important thing is to be happy yourself and show your kids that you are happy with them and with yourself. If perfection is too emphasized it can make everyone really stressed out. I totally agree with this point.

By: Cathy @ Our Mini Family

Cathy @ Our Mini Family — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 14:33:38 +0000

All great points–I hadn’t really thought about what it means to be “obsessive” with parenting. I will have to keep these in mind for when my husband and I start a family. Thanks for sharing!

By: FamiGami

FamiGami — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 14:29:17 +0000

The key to avoid excessive parenting is to relax. Let your kids make mistakes. Our role as parents isn’t to stop them from making mistakes, but to be there for them when they do.

By: Linda romer

Linda romer — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 12:25:41 +0000

I like your review. I often wonder if I am an obsessive parent to my three children. After reflecting I can say I am. I have noticed I let up over the years. My daughter is 29 and my sons are 21 and 16. I just hope my obsessive parenting hasn’t hurt them.

By: Susan Burns

Susan Burns — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 01:59:40 +0000

I love what you said here: “To be a happy parent is to give your child one of the greatest gifts.” If you can keep yourself happy and well, feed them healthy food, keep them dressed, and provide a reasonably safe environment for them, they will do okay.

My kids are grown up and will be leaving the nest soon, and I can tell you that much of parenting is completely out of your control, and they will be who they will be.

Love them, be there for them, and support their dreams as much as possible, but also invest time in making yourself a happier, more interesting person who is willing to grow and change and adjust to what happens along the way. Modeling happiness is powerful.

By: Connie Benedict

Connie Benedict — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 23:03:54 +0000

I am blessed to be a fur mommy but not a human mommy. I do know that between my sister and I, I would seem to be the type of parent that would be obsessive. She allows her kids to make mistakes, fall and get up on their own and when they cry, tell them everything is okay, you are still alive. I would have been the one making the big deal, coddling them and saying, “It’s okay, I’m here.” Thereby, not instilling in them confidence but dependence. As you said above, finding balance is really about writing how balance looks to you and then following your own rules, which at times seems to be hard. I can see how following this example in other areas of one’s life is good advice beyond parenting. Thank you for such a wonderful article. 🙂

By: Tracey

Tracey — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 05:01:14 +0000

Hi Menucha,
I am here from the Blog Mojo Challenge. I totally agree with letting go of trying to be a perfect parent. I am guilty of looking for perfection and am starting to relax about it right now. I have faith in my daughter to make it through my parenting and come out on top. Take care-Tracey