Understand the difference between showing up for and overprotecting your child.

Photo by Tholaal Mohamed on Unsplash

Part of growing up is learning how to handle uncomfortable situations and setbacks. This is how children become confident, independent adults. But overly protective parenting can reactively deliver children from challenging circumstances that help them develop and mature.

Call it what you will—“helicopter,” always hovering; or “lawnmower” or “snowplow” parenting, where Mom or Dad ...