Overprotective Parenting Can Lead to Bullying
As camp season for our multicultural summer camp approaches, the frequency and tenor of calls fielded from parents considering a girls-only or boys-only camp experience for their child picks up. Many seek our intentionally empowering camp program to continue the positive character development for their child that the parents are already doing at home and with their child’s social interactions. Many seek a safe, dynamics experience for youth to have an unforgettable fun-filled summer.
It can be hard for parents to step back
A few parents want to see camp as a “cure” for what ails their child. One parent, while wondering why his daughter isn’t more assertive, tells me how he continually tries to correct her grammar. Another parent, while wondering why her son isn’t more outgoing, tells me how she doesn’t allow him to go on sleepovers at friends’ houses. Another parent, while wondering how her child is risk-averse, tells of her concerns that she won’t be able to call her daughter daily if she goes to camp.
Overprotective parenting repercussions?
In my mind, I’m concerned. I can see how these children or children like them become victims of bullying, and I can see how these children may become bullies themselves. Without the ability to steer their own course at home, and lacking opportunities to gain independence and grow, that’s exactly what could happen. Indeed a recent study demonstrates as much, finding that overprotective parenting is among the child-rearing styles linked to bullying. You can see a link here.
Parents are usually experts of own children
Under normal circumstances, parents are (and should be) the experts of their own children. Sometimes though, it can be a challenge for a camp director to partner with parents who don’t necessarily realize the negative repercussions of their own choices on their child’s character development.
Trusted third-party youth professionals can and should be a valuable resource
Trusted third-party youth professionals can and should be a valuable resource too. We are able to offer a unique insight. An extremely attentive parent might spend a few hours daily and perhaps as much as 10-15 hours with their child in a week. At camp, trained counselors spend 12-15 hours every day! Not just interacting with your child, but seeing how they engage with their peers, with trusted adults, try new things, and resolve conflicts. Camp directors can (and should) be a professional who can offer parents a more objective viewpoint as to their child’s character development. We can be a valued resource in minimizing the potential that their child might develop into a bully or victim.