This approach to parenting is referred to as “plastic wrap parenting” due to the fact that it is analogous to covering a child in plastic wrap. Consider the following illustration: in the same way that a plastic wrap totally envelops anything, the child is attempted to be entirely controlled in this form of parenting. The sole distinction lies in the fact that in this case, everything is done in the name of love and protection.
Plastic Wrap Parenting includes behaviors such as attempting to shield the child from any and all potential threats, withholding the ability for children to make their own choices, attempting to keep children from making errors, shielding children from any and all forms of criticism, and being frightened to encourage children to exercise their own autonomy.
It is possible for children who have been overprotected and shielded from criticism to develop a fragile sense of self-esteem, which can lead to a dependence on their parents’ ongoing guidance and engagement in their lives. As a consequence of this, individuals can experience challenges in effectively managing constructive criticism or feedback in the future.
There are less opportunities for children to interact with others and build relationships with other people when they are raised by parents who use plastic wrap. However, as a consequence of this, their social skills do not develop.
Parents who raised their children using the parenting method of plastic wrap were always concerned about those. It is then that they begin to focus more on the insignificant. When this occurs, children’s mental health is also negatively impacted, and they also become victims of stress as a result of the scenario. These are the kinds of children who are deprived of the opportunity to engage in novel experiences and to exhibit their creative potential.
When children are subjected to overprotective parenting, they develop an excessive dependence on their parents for decision-making and problem-solving, which causes them to experience anxiety when they are confronted with their own issues. It was discovered in Emerging Adulthood that parents who exercised excessive control over their children made them more reliant on them during the early stages of adolescence. Both of the parents have the ability to influence it. In the future, if you are very controlling with your children when they are young, they may become dependent on you. They could also be concerned about becoming adults without their parents.
The youngsters who are overprotected may lack the ability to be resilient and to cope. Children who have not had the opportunity to overcome obstacles may have difficulty dealing with the inevitable rejection, criticism, and failure that come with adulthood. According to the findings of a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, the parenting styles of Chinese parents have an impact on the mental flexibility and self-esteem of their children. Parents who are unapproachable or overprotective of their children are detrimental to their children’s self-esteem, whereas parents who are kind and helpful are beneficial.
It could be detrimental to their relationships and overall well-being to restrict their social and emotional development. It is possible that they have difficulty making friends, exerting themselves, or adjusting to various new environments.
There are a number of factors that could lead to parents parenting in this manner, including a lack of trust, previous experiences, generational trauma, cultural or societal expectations, or pressure to succeed.
While you are trying to stop being overprotective of yourself, be kind to yourself. To begin, it is important to accept your feelings and the fact that you want to protect your child while also allowing them to learn.
It can be challenging to break free from those habits of overprotection; therefore, if you are attempting to make changes in your life, you should be gentle to yourself. Having the feelings that you do is completely OK. Although it is totally normal to want to protect your child from harm, it is equally essential to grant them the opportunity to develop and gain knowledge from their experiences.
Ways in which Unleash can be of aid to your situation
Unleash is a tool that is both practical and engaging, and its purpose is to address and alleviate the anxiety that is linked with parenting, namely with plastic wrap. Within a safe and well-organized environment, Unleash offers a methodical approach by means of exercises and suggestions that have been carefully crafted. This technique enables children to investigate their feelings, identify their worries, and develop ways for coping with challenging situations. Children are guided to recognize anxiety as a natural element of life while stressing their innate capacity to confront and conquer their anxieties through the use of this diary, which places an emphasis on self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
In order to foster a sense of success and self-assurance in children, unleash places a strong emphasis on the significant role that incremental progress plays in the process of overcoming these fears. Children are given the opportunity to learn how to control their feelings and develop resilience through the use of this strategy, which effectively tackles the disadvantages of plastic wrap parenting. Through constant practice and commitment, children are able to adjust their responses to events that cause them to experience anxiety. This is emphasized by the journal’s focus on neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to establish new neural connections and adapt.
I would like to conclude that Unleash is an important resource for children who are impacted by the adverse effects that are associated with the practice of plastic wrap parenting. This diary makes it easier for youngsters to understand and control their anxiety, and as a result, it plays a significant part in the development of the self-assurance and abilities that are necessary for properly confronting the problems that come with growing up, particularly in terms of increased independence and resilience.