Typically, kids and teens have a lot of opportunities to choose from, such as extra-curricular activities through the school, music lessons, sports, clubs, and hobbies. Parents can easily get caught up in the mindset that their kids need to either be involved in a variety of these activities or invest in one activity at a deep level. Why do parents buy into this belief?
Dr. Joshua Straub suggests that it may be due to a parent's own fears. And acting on those fears can lead to an unhealthy lack of margin - the time we allow for unexpected opportunities and challenges.
Read about three common parenting fears that Straub says may be influencing us and how we can address them. Straub writes:
"The more I allow my fears to guide my parenting, the more I‘ll fill the margin with things to combat my anxieties. That, in turn, makes me less emotionally safe for my child, because being emotionally present requires margin."
Are Your Parenting Fears Hurting Your Kids? by Joshua Straub