As parents, it is natural to want to protect our children from harm. We try to provide them with a safe and nurturing environment, shield them from the harsh realities of the world, and make sure they have every opportunity to succeed.

However, there is a fine line between being protective and being overprotective. Are you too protective of your children? Take this quiz to find out.

Quiz

1. Do you monitor your child’s every move?

   a) Yes, I always know where my child is and what they are doing.

   b) No, I trust my child to make good decisions and give them some freedom.

2. Do you let your child take risks?

   a) No, I try to eliminate as many risks as possible to keep my child safe.

   b) Yes, I think taking calculated risks is important for my child’s development.

3. Do you make all decisions for your child?

   a) Yes, I know what’s best for my child and make all the decisions for them.

   b) No, I involve my child in decision-making and try to teach them how to make good choices.

4. Do you get overly anxious when your child is away from you?

   a) Yes, I worry constantly about their safety.

   b) No, I have faith that my child is capable and will reach out if they need help.

5. Do you shelter your child from negative experiences?

   a) Yes, I want my child to be happy and avoid anything that might cause them pain or discomfort.

   b) No, I think it’s important for my child to experience both positive and negative emotions so they can learn how to cope.

6. Do you let your child fail?

   a) No, I try to prevent my child from failing at all costs.

   b) Yes, I think failure is a valuable learning experience and can help my child grow.

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7. Do you let your child solve their own problems?

   a) No, I swoop in and solve the problem for my child.

   b) Yes, I encourage my child to think critically and come up with solutions on their own.

8. Do you ever feel like you’re doing too much for your child?

   a) No, I think it’s my job to do everything for my child.

   b) Yes, I sometimes feel like I’m hindering my child’s growth by doing too much for them.

9. Do you let your child make mistakes?

   a) No, I try to prevent my child from making mistakes.

   b) Yes, I think making mistakes is a natural part of learning and helps my child develop problem-solving skills.

10. Do you let your child face consequences for their actions?

    a) No, I try to shield my child from negative consequences.

    b) Yes, I think it’s important for my child to understand the consequences of their actions.

Results

If you answered mostly As:.

You may be overly protective of your child. While it’s important to keep your child safe and protect them from harm, it’s also important to let them take calculated risks and make mistakes.

Letting your child face consequences for their actions can help them learn accountability and responsibility. Consider giving your child some freedom and independence to help them develop important life skills.

If you answered mostly Bs:.

You are likely a balanced and effective parent. Congratulations! You understand the importance of protection while also giving your child opportunities to grow and learn. Keep up the excellent work!.