The more parenting articles I read each week, the more I begin see yet another shift in the way people view parenting.  There’s a bit of a negative spin out there right now, and has me concerned.

Twice in the last week I’ve read articles (in popular magazines) stating that we, as parents, spend too much time with our children.  We are teaching them to depend on us to meet their every need; these authors would have us believe.  We are not teaching them to become independent.

One author went so far as to say that the past focus on building self-esteem was a waste.  That we can’t, in fact, build self-esteem in our children.

It breaks my heart to read these articles.

When bullying is at a record high and children, very young children, are taking their lives because of it, how can we possibly make the claim that too much parenting is to blame?  How can we argue against setting our children on the path toward high self-esteem?

The parent/child relationship lays the foundation for how children will interact with others in the future.  Bonding with our children plays an integral role in developing trust and security.  Demonstrating empathy teaches our children to empathize with others.  Playing with them when they’re young and listening to them when they’re older shows them that we care about them, that we enjoy spending time with them, and that they are important to us.

Being there for them, no matter the circumstances, teaches them the meaning of unconditional love.

And that nonsense about our inability to help build self-esteem in our children?  Is just that: Nonsense…

Please stop by Mommy Moment to continue reading.