3/15 Parents That Love Too Much

[Cynay]

You are reading from Parents Who Love Too Much by Jane Nelsen, Ed.D. & Cheryl Erwin, M.A.

Loving too much is Normal.

If you are a normal parent, it is likely that you "love too much" to one degree or another. In fact, few, if any, parents (except, perhaps, pathologically ill individuals who are not capable of loving at all) have not engaged in loving their children too mcuh. Take a moment and see if you recongnize yourself in any of the following behaviors. (It's okay: we all do them.)


Not Expecting Enough in the Area of Your Child's Contribution to the Family

Childhood should be a time of magic and fun, right? And kids never do chores and problem solving the right way anyway. Too many parents find it easier to "just do it themselves" than to engage in power struggles over chores. These parents are often exhausted and resentful. They might be suprised if they knew how discouraged their children feel. Of course children rebel when being commanded to do things that are not on their list of priorities. However, they are much more willing to cooperate when parents engage them in the problem-solving process, and they learn important life skills as well. Involvement begets ownership connection, confidence, and cooperation.