The Dangers of Lawnmower Parenting

You might have heard of helicopter parenting, but have you heard of lawnmower parenting? Lawnmower parenting is a new type of parenting that is just as intense as helicopter parenting. Lawnmower parents are always there to clean up their child’s messes and ensure they never experience any setbacks or failures.

While this may seem like the perfect way to raise a child, it can actually do more harm than good in the long run. Read on to find out why lawnmower parenting is not a good idea and how you can avoid becoming a lawnmower parent yourself.

Lawnmower parenting is also known as snowplow or bulldoze parenting.

Lawnmower parenting is a parenting style where parents try to clear any obstacle in their child’s life. This includes everything from dealing with bullies to helping with schoolwork to getting their child into college.

What is the difference between helicopter and lawnmower parenting?

Helicopter Parent:

• organizes a child’s life
• full of advice
• hoover over kids to protect them from mistakes
• kids are overly dependent and introverted

Lawnmower Parent:

• mows down any obstacle in a child’s path. Super Mama Bear
• smooths over/fixes any problems the child has
• the child must always look and appear to be perfect

The main difference is that the helicopter parent tries to avoid obstacles while the lawnmower parent ensures there are no obstacles. Neither of these parenting behaviors is a good thing. The motivation for the parent is to display the illusion that their family is perfect.

There are a few reasons parents might choose to lawnmower parent their kids. Some parents do it because they want their kids to have every opportunity possible. Others do it because they want to protect their kids from any harm, whether it’s emotional or physical. And still, others do it because they think it’s what’s best for their kids.

Another reason may be peer pressure from other parents in their social group who thinks the only good parent is a lawnmower parent.

What are the dangers of lawnmower parenting?

There are a few dangers associated with lawnmower parenting. First, it can prevent kids from learning how to deal with adversity. If their parents always swoop in to fix their problems, they’ll never know how to cope with challenges on their own. This can lead to them being unprepared for the real world.

Creates a sense of entitlement

Second, lawnmower parenting can create a sense of entitlement in kids. If they always get what they want, they may come to expect it. This can lead to problems down the road when they don’t get their way.

Creates distance between the child and the parent

Third, lawnmower parenting can take away from the parent-child relationship. Parents who are always doing things for their kids may not have as much time to spend with them. This can lead to a feeling of distance between the two.

So, what can you do if you’re a lawnmower parent?

If you find yourself falling into the trap of lawnmower parenting, there are a few things you can do to change your ways.

First, let your kids handle their problems.

Try to let them handle their own problems whenever possible. This will give them a chance to learn how to cope with adversity.

Problem-solving is an important life skill that will come in handy for many different situations. When your child needs guidance or advice, try not to step in unless they ask you for it because even though we want what’s best, there are always some challenges that only they can solve on their own terms.

You can give your kids advice and guidance when they’re having trouble, as long you don’t step in to clean up any messes yourself!

Second, don’t give your kids everything.

Second, try to resist the urge to give your kids everything they want. If they don’t get their way all the time, they’ll learn to be okay with it.

When children are given everything they want, they often become entitled and spoiled. They may also have difficulty coping with disappointment and setbacks. As a result, it is important to try to resist the urge to do lawnmower parenting. Instead, focus on providing your children with love and support while teaching them how to deal with frustration and disappointment. This will help them develop into well-rounded adults capable of handling life’s challenges.

Third, spend time with your kids.

Make sure you’re spending enough time with your kids. They need to feel like you’re there for them, even if you’re not always solving their problems.

Fourth, explain to your child that things are changing.

Explain that you have been a lawnmower parent for so long that you didn’t realize what was happening. Explain what you have been doing and what is going to change. Reinsure the child this is best for them.

It can be tough on your child when they’re used to getting things done without much hassle from their parents. They may pressure you to return to your old patterns. Be firm with your child and yourself that these changes will make things better than they were before.

Just because something is popular does not make it right. If you are a lawnmower parent, it is time to change your ways. Your child will thank you for it in the long run. While it may be difficult to see your child struggle or face disappointment, these experiences are crucial for their development into independent and successful adults. Be firm and consistent with your parenting style – trust us, it is what is best for your child in the end.

FAQ

For more information, please see the following:
Don’t Be a Helicopter Or a Lawnmower! Learn the Lingo!
A Positive Parent Does Not Use Excessive Praise
What is Helicopter Parenting?

Have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments below.

If you found this information useful, please share.

See also:

Never Give Up Until They Buckle Up

Parenting