Eggshell Parenting: Effects and How to Stop Walking on it!

Parenting is a delicate balance between nurturing and guiding children, but for some, this balance can tip toward an unhealthy parenting style termed "eggshell parenting." Eggshell parents approach their children with an excessive amount of caution, constantly walking on eggshells to avoid upsetting or triggering them.

Not only pediatric doctors or experts but also many parents believe that eggshell parenting can have profound and lasting effects on a child's development and well-being. This has been a widespread discussion these days, and in this article, we will look into eggshell parenting, its harmful effects on children, and some strategies to break free from eggshell parenting.

Eggshell parents are those who walk on eggshells around their children, constantly worried about upsetting them or causing conflict. Parents who follow this style show an overwhelming sense of fragility.

There are many cases in which parents may avoid setting boundaries and also hesitate to discipline their children. While in the starting stages of eggshell parenting, parents do not refrain from providing constructive feedback on their child's behavior. In advanced stages, many parents believe that their child is as sensitive and delicate as an eggshell.

To put it simply, parents become too cautious and overprotective so that it won't affect their child's mental or physical health. Also, they avoid all sorts of conflicts just to keep peace with their child at all costs.

Eggshell parenting can have significant harmful effects on a child's development and well-being. Here are some,

01. Poor emotional growth: As the parents pamper their children too much, they lack emotional well-being. This is because the children are brought up in an environment where they never get the chance to challenge their emotional strength.

02. Entitlement: Eggshell parents spoil their children by providing them with all they want, as they do not want to hurt their children. This leads the child to think that they will get whatever they want without any consequences, thus developing a sense of entitlement.

03. Anxiety: Eggshell parenting can lead to anxiety issues in a child, as they don't know what exactly their parents think. This usually happens because of the on-and-off nature of this parenting style.

04. Relationship avoidance: Some children often think that there's some issue within, as the parents do not show all sorts of emotions to them. With this mindset, they usually avoid relationships, thinking that they aren't good enough for a relationship.

05. Depression and unstable mood: As the parents are not consistent, the children feel that their surroundings aren't stable and start blaming themselves. This leads to depressive thoughts and mood instability.

06. Lack of social intelligence: Studies say that children who are brought up with eggshell parenting often lack social intelligence.

07. Stress disorders: Children grown in an unstable environment tend to have symptoms of stress disorders. Some of these are sleep disturbances, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, fearfulness, and aggressiveness. If not addressed, this can lead to PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Do you think that you are an eggshell parent? Here's what you can do to make yourself better.

01. Improve communication: Communication always tops the list of any issue, and so does here. Try to talk and improve communication with your child so that you both can understand each other better.

02. Set boundaries: Setting proper boundaries can always help the children understand that there's always a boundary to things they are doing. This may help to overcome the sense of entitlement in your child.

03. Give supportive independence: Make the children make their own decisions so that they can learn to take calculated risks. This doesn't mean leaving them totally independent; always have their back and help them with their decisions.

04. Don't be the problem solver: If your child is facing some issue, be it emotional or rational. Do not try to fix it; instead, make them fix the problem by supporting them. Always play a supportive role!

Tried everything, and it seems like something needs to be fixed? Then why not seek help? You can start by joining parenting groups or clubs. You can also seek professional help through talk therapy, DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and interpersonal therapy.

Learn More: Navigating the Minefield: Co-Parenting with a Toxic Ex

Eggshell parenting has many adverse effects on a child's emotional, social, and also physical well-being. If you yell or get angry at your child, it doesn't make you an eggshell parent. All you have to do is calm your senses and take time to talk with your children. The best ways to stop eggshell parenting mentioned here can help to be a safe and supportive parent. We hope it helps you be a better parent to your child.