Quote:
Originally Posted by APhi2KD
I do agree with basically everything that’s been said, but do remember a LOT of this is a result of the national philosophy regarding parenting, i.e. the self-esteem movement. When this came about, we didn’t have crystal balls showing us that well-meant efforts to boost self esteem would have the opposite effect. It was also the time of a HUGE surge in baby/child proofing, etc. From doorknobs to electrical outlets to bumper guards for tables (is my daughter’s generation the first to reach adulthood without the ubiquitous “coffee table scar”?), we were bombarded with smoothing things out. The anti-bullying movement also has compounded the issue. Yeah, it’s serious. No, it should not be tolerated. But at what point are children left to figure it out? It’s a slippery slope.
I think I’m just saying most of those guilty of over-parenting did not endeavor to be THAT parent. They just didn’t learn when to turn it off.
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I agree with this. This is not a recent phenomenon. Did anyone see the movie, "W," where George Bush was seen greasing the wheels for George W.'s college admissions?
The "8th place trophy" self-esteem movement was being discussed when I first started teaching 30 years ago. I've heard similar stories to those shared, but I think they're extreme examples, not the norm.
In the 20 years I've been a professor, I have had, and continue to have, needy students who want me to find, figure out, read, and solve situations for them on a daily basis. And, these students range from their twenties to their fifties, while others are much more self-sufficient. I am less and less convinced that this is generational, because we're about 3 generations into this phenomenon.