Understanding overprotective parenting in India: Balancing love and independence

In India, where family bonds are traditionally strong, overprotective parenting has become a growing concern. A recent survey revealed that nearly 74% of Indian parents admit to over-involvement in their children’s lives, fearing for their safety and success. However, this well-meaning protection often stifles the child's ability to develop independence and confidence.

Yoga teaches us that true growth often comes from confronting challenges and embracing discomfort. Overprotective parenting, though rooted in love, can obstruct this growth, leading to anxiety and mental health struggles in children.

What is Overprotective Parenting?
Overprotective parenting is to shield children from every potential risk, failure, or discomfort. This behavior, while protective in nature, can prevent children from learning important life skills like problem-solving and managing emotions. The more a parent hovers, the more the child may think that the world is a dangerous place.
⦁ The protective environment becomes a source of constant stress, making children feel inadequate in handling situations that require independence.
⦁ It undermines the child’s confidence, preventing them from developing self-esteem through trial and error.
⦁ Controlledsocial environments and limited interactions can make children anxious about engaging with others, leading to isolation.

Parenting through Yoga
To counterbalance the effects of overprotective parenting, both parents and children can benefit from simple yogic techniques that develop confidence and emotional balance. These practices, when practiced daily, can ease anxiety and support mental health for the entire family.

Yogendra Sukhasana
⦁ Sit with legs stretched out.
⦁ Now bend one leg and place the heel under the opposite thigh.
⦁ Then fold the other leg, placing the heel under the opposite thigh and keep the ankles crossed.
⦁ Place the hands on the respective thighs, palm downwards.
⦁ Keep the body straight, close your eyes and passively observe the breath.
⦁ Mind may wander to other thoughts but gently bring it back to breath.
⦁ Slowly open the eyes and gently stretch the legs.

Benefits:
This simple seated posewhen practiced regularly, it helps children (and parents) feel more in control of their emotions.

Yogendra Pranayama IV
⦁ Lie on your back and bring your knees close to your hips, feet about a foot apart.
⦁ Place one hand on your abdomen and the other by your side.
⦁ Close your eyes.
⦁ Inhale gently, allowing your abdomen to rise, then exhale smoothly, feeling the abdomen fall.
⦁ Keep the breathing count equal and comfortable.

Benefits:
This pranayama not only calms the parent’s anxiety but also provides them with the emotional space to allow their children to take risks and learn from their experiences.

Tips for Good Parenting
⦁ Allow them to express their feelings, fears, and desires without judgment.
⦁ Empower your child by giving them responsibilities appropriate for their age, such as organizing their toys, helping with household chores, or making simple decisions.
⦁ Set healthy boundaries where they know you’re there for support but allow them the freedom to make decisions, take risks, and experience failure.
Children, like us, grow through experience. Providing them with the opportunities to be independent, while offering gentle guidance, will empower them to thrive well.

(Author: Dr Hansa Ji Yogendra – Director of The Yoga Institute, Author, and Yoga Guru)