The Type A Parent: 7 Ways to Avoid Over-Pressuring

There are two types of parenting that we dive into in our eBook: the helicopter (over-protective) and the Type-A (over-pressuring) parent.

Here are 7 practical ways to avoid over-pressuring our kids, all in the name of raising emotionally healthy children:

• Let kids be kids! Don't overschedule them!
• Encourage imaginary play.
• Make time for family rituals — meals, bedtimes, vacations.
• Encourage curiosity. Focus on effort, learning; not on grades at young ages.
• Make sure you value rest and model that. Have a Sabbath in your family.
• Listen to the cues of your kids.
• Affirm them for who they are — a special gift of God — not just based on their performance.

When tempted to over-pressure or over-protect, remember the goal. You want to raise resilient children, aware that life can present challenges but confident they can cope.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4: 8-9)

For more research-based tips on emotionally healthy parenting, get our free eBook.