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Helicopter Parenting Can Negatively Impact Your Child
Do you have an inward curve between your lower hips and outer thighs? Those are hip dips, also referred to as "violin hips", and you aren't alone. Hip dips are mostly determined by genetics, but exercises that build the gluteus medius muscle can fill in some of that space to lessen their appearance. If you find yourself frustrated with your hip dips, try some of the following exercises.
HELICOPTER PARENTING IS AN OVERPROTECTIVE STYLE OF RAISING CHILDREN. A HELICOPTER PARENT WILL PREVENT THEIR CHILD FROM TRYING NEW ACTIVITIES IF THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THAT ACTIVITY. NORMAL AGE-APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES LIKE WALKING TO SCHOOL OR GOING TO A SLEEPOVER MAY BE FORBIDDEN BY A HELICOPTER PARENT. WHILE MOST HELICOPTER PARENTING COMES FROM A DEEP FEAR FOR A CHILD'S SAFETY, KEEPING YOUR CHILD CONSTANTLY WITHIN ARMS-REACH CAN BE PSYCHOLOGICALLY DAMAGING TO CHILDREN. IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE A HELICOPTER PARENT, CONSIDER THESE NEGATIVE IMPACTS IT MAY BE HAVING ON YOUR CHILD.
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INHIBITING LEARNING As scary as it may be to allow your child to go out into the world and potentially get hurt, that is how they learn. We have all experienced scrapes, pain and illness, but every discomfort is a learning experience. Yes, your child may fall off the monkey bars, but they will grow from that experience. Children learn from new experiences, including the discomfort that may come along with them.
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DISCOURAGE AUTONOMY Helicopter parenting involves making choices for your child that they can make for themselves. If you cook every meal for your child because you don't want them to get burned on the stove or you pick out their outfits so they'll be matching, you are taking potential choices away from your child. Having autonomy over their own lives is absolutely crucial for your child's development. By making all of
their choices for them, you are stunting their growth and undermining their independence. It will be more difficult for your child to make decisions as an adult if they rely on you to make all their choices as a child.
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LOW CONFIDENCE When a child has been sheltered from the world, they will subsequently learn to fear it. If you teach them that the world is a scary place and they need to rely on their parents for safety, they are not going to trust in their own ability to handle life. You may stress about your child walking to the bus stop on their own, but simple tasks like walking alone with other kids gives your child confidence to be out in the world. And when your child subsequently sees their friends exhibit more freedom than they do, they're going to begin to wonder why you don't trust them to do age-appropriate activities. Your distrust of your child's ability to handle themselves will bleed into their self-esteem. Your child will inevitably learn not to trust themselves.
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MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Helicopter parenting is a consequence of fear and anxiety. If you don't learn to control your fear about your child's safety, they are going to learn that same fear. Your child may struggle with depression and anxiety if they learn from you that the world is a scary place. If they are not safe within the world and need constant supervision, that will carry over into anxiety in their adult life. Your child may also be less open to new activities if you hold them back from new experiences. If you fear you're falling into helicopter parenting patterns, it's not too late to loosen the strings and allow your child room to grow. The psychological benefits of giving your child more control over their lives and their decisions are endless.
SPINACH & LENTIL SOUP INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced 1 carrot, peeled and diced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 4 garlic gloves, minced 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander 1/4 tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 bay leaf 1 quart vegetable stock 1 1/2 cups green or red lentils 2 cups water, as needed 2 cups fresh spinach 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1 lemon or lime, juiced DIRECTIONS In a large cast iron or ceramic pot, heat olive oil on medium high until shimmering. Add onion, pepper and carrots. Cook until onions begin to turn golden brown. Add garlic and cook for additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add spices, tomato paste and flour. Cook until fragrant. Add vegetable stock to mixture and continue stirring until
1. SIDE PLANK LEG RAISES A simple exercise that targets the side of the pelvis. Lie on your side with your knees straight. Prop your upper body up on your elbow and forearm. (A) From the side plank position, lift your bottom knee toward your chest. (B) Do three sets of 20 reps on each side.
2. STANDING LATERAL LEG RAISES Standing lateral leg raises target the outer thigh and hip muscles as well as the whole gluteal area. (A) Stand with your feet shoulder length apart, place your left hand on your hip and raise your right hand upwards. (B) In one motion raise your right leg to the side and reach toward your toe with your right hand. Maintain a controlled motion and engage your glutes while keeping your left hand on your hip for balance. (C) Return to the starting position and switch sides. (D) Raise your left leg to the side and reach toward your toes with your left hand, engage glutes while keeping your right hand on your hip. Do three sets of 10 reps on each side. 3. SIDE LUNGES Side lunges target the whole gluteal region, especially the side of the hips. Take a wide-legged stance. Keeping your back straight, shift your weight to the right and bend the right knee, then squeeze your glutes as you come back up in a controlled motion. For a total body workout, draw your arms up and out above your head with each lunge and engage your core. Repeat on the other side to complete one rep. Do one set of 20 on each side. 4. WIDE-LEGGED SQUATS This exercise targets your entire thigh and hips. (A) Start in a standing position with a manageable weight in both hands held in front of your pelvis. (B) Increase the width of your stance to a wide-legged position, turn your feet outward in a 45 degree angle and slowly squat as low as you can while holding the weight in a stationary position. Squeeze your glutes when you come up, keep your back straight and your head in a neutral position. Complete three sets of 10 reps.
liquid comes to a boil and paste is incorporated. Add lentils to liquid and cook on high heat for 5 minutes. Lower to simmer, place lid on and cook for 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Add spinach, cilantro and citrus juice. Cook until spinach is tender. Add water to the soup as needed to reach desired consistency. Season to taste and enjoy.
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