We all want to connect and be involved with our child. Children of involved parents generally feel more confident, assured and have a higher level of self esteem. They excel in school and do well in extracurricular activities and with their hobbies.
But is there such a thing as too much involvement? Its imperative when youre becoming involved with your school-aged childs activities and academics that you recognize the line of what being too involved can be.
Remember, youre becoming involved in your childs life. Its important that you dont intrude too much upon it. Children need their space and privacy and they need to be able to develop their own skills, talents and abilities. In our eagerness to help our child succeed, its tempting to want to step in and start doing things for them because you feel they are doing it incorrectly or inadequately. But remember, you had to learn too, and this is their chance to learn on their own.
Be there to encourage and support your child, and offer praise at a job well done. But also remember to step back and allow your child to learn from their own mistakes, and to develop their own way of doing things. We all know from our own life experiences that theres always more than just one way to do something, and just because your child is doing it differently than you would doesnt make it wrong. Who knows, it could present a terrific opportunity for you to learn from your child as well.
In addition, try not to become too overbearing or nosy when it comes to their social life. Be available for them should they need to talk and encourage them to share their troubles with you so you can help them sort through a problem. But if they say they dont want to talk about it or they just need some time to figure things out for themselves, respect that need by letting them know youre available whenever they need you. This is an important part of growing up and allowing a child to figure his own way through things is an integral part of that process.