Overprotection leading to de-sensitisation in kids

Children learn through doing and through play.

A key theme throughout the Resilient Kids Conference (held on the Gold Coast in June 2024), from all of the speakers, was the need for parents to not over-protect their children and hold back their growth but rather to build their capacity and resilience through expose to more experience.

To build resilience, children need exposure to risk, to challenges to freedom and to have opportunities for choice and control. Children’s learning experiences provide “proof” to them that they are capable – this in turns builds self-trust and confidence. 

As parents and caregivers, we tend to step into situations too early to “save” our children. By slowing down and supporting our children through being alongside them doing ‘just enough’, we’re teaching children to listen in to themselves and build upon their own interoception skills and judgements. 

Don’t forget however the importance of role modelling and upskilling your child through problem-solving – having them talk through what options they have, any further ideas, which option they have decided upon and asking them if they need help rather than jumping in to be their saviour. 

Become a newsletter subscriber to be kept informed of program dates and exclusive promotions. Ray of Sunshine – Wellbeing for Kids mission is to instil a foundation of self-belief for children that will help guide them through the ups and downs of life by empowering them with tools that build resilience, grow confidence and feed self-esteem.