It’s not as simple as “helicopter” vs. “free range”. It never is, right? Most of us want to raise resilient, fulfilled, happy future-adults, but the trajectory from high-needs infant to self-assured teen is really murky. What distinguishes over-involved from just, um, involved? What about the cultural pressure to produce kids with impressive, well-rounded résumés? And how can we find that elusive sweet spot where we bear witness to our kids growth and change without trying to control every outcome? In Episode 194 of The Mom Hour, Meagan and Sarah start tackling these big questions, in particular looking at ages and stages from baby to teen for opportunities to stretch kids’ independence and let go of our own need for control. PLUS Katie Addiss joins Sarah for our first books talk of 2019–all about fiction for moms. Join us!

LINKS MENTIONED:

How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success (affiliate link), by Julie Lythcott-Haims
Our episode with maternal mental health expert Kate Rope: Strong As A Mother with Kate Rope: The Mom Hour Voices, Episode 26

Helping Or Helicoptering? (Part 1): Episode 194