Lawnmower parenting is a style in which caregivers "mow down"—or eliminate—challenges before a child can even notice them. You may also hear it referred to as "snowplow" or "bulldozer" parenting. For example, this can look like you doing the "hard part" of a puzzle before a child can try, so they don't get upset. Or it can look like you mad-dashing out the door to give a teen the soccer cleats they were supposed to pack.Dr. Todey says lawnmower parenting is distinct from "helicopter parenting.""While helicopter parents hover anxiously waiting to rescue their children when things get hard, lawnmower parents go a step further, clearing every obstacle before their child even encounters it," she explains.Now, to be clear, "lawnmower" parents aren't bad people, and they often want what's best for their kids. It's just that constantly removing obstacles ASAP carries long-term risks."This instinct usually comes from a combination of love and fear, from parents who are desperate to protect their children from pain or failure... but the result is that the child misses out on learning essential problem-solving and self-soothing skills," she warns.Related: Child Psychologists Are Begging Parents and Grandparents to Never Turn a Blind Eye to These 10 Habits
6 Common Traits of Adults Raised by 'Lawnmower Parents,' Psychologist Reveals
2. Perfectionistic tendencies
Like people on a never-ending quest to have the greenest lawn on the block, perfectionists are chasing an impossible goal. However, people raised by lawnmower parents will try to become the first people in the history of the universe to get everything right 112% of the time."When parents constantly intervene to prevent failure, kids internalize the belief that their worth depends on flawless performance and external validation," Dr. Todey warns.She warns that these children can develop into adults who are their own biggest critics, suffer from anxiety and are afraid to make mistakes.
4. Bad relationship with 'failure'
Lawnmower parents proactively anticipate and address any problems a child may encounter, so they rarely fail. The problem?"Failure is the essential teacher that helps kids develop resilience, independence and a true sense of mastery that they will need in adulthood," Dr. Todey explains.Related: These 11 Phrases Can Help You Raise Emotionally Resilient Kids, Psychologists Say
6. Difficulty launching
We raise kids to help them learn to fly, but adults raised by lawnmower parents may not get off the ground. "These young adults may live with their parents, depend on their parents financially or emotionally and fail to master young adult tasks, such as graduating from college, beginning their career and establishing meaningful relationships," Dr. Todey explains.Related: People Who Grew Up With Conflict ‘Swept Under the Rug’ Often Develop These 9 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say
2. Redefine success and self-worth
Put down the "parenting style" dictionary for a second and start writing your own—all about how you define success and self-worth as an adult. "Children of lawnmower parents often equate success with perfection or external approval," Dr. Todey points out. "Healing means learning to measure worth by effort, growth and authenticity rather than outcomes."Along the way, Dr. Todey suggests practicing self-compassion to break free from perfectionism by learning to be nicer to yourself after setbacks.
3. Build emotional independence through therapy and connection
Related: A Clinical Psychologist Is Begging Parents and Grandparents To Start Doing These 4 Things
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Dr. Amy Todey, Ph.D., psychologistHence then, the article about people who were raised by lawnmower parents often develop these 6 traits as adults a psychologist says was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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