When this tree was young, placing a protective cage around it was undoubtedly a wise move. But now, this very cage is distorting the tree’s growth. Whether it’s a tree or a child, providing care and protection up to a certain age is indeed beneficial. Yet, going beyond protection—overprotecting—can seriously hinder their natural growth.
Nowadays, we see parents becoming exceedingly protective of their children, almost excessively so. Today’s parents are often accused of being overly cautious, and while this stems from love and concern, too much protection doesn’t empower children; rather, it weakens them.
Parents, having struggled and achieved success themselves, naturally desire that their children don’t endure the same hardships. This sentiment is commendable, but an overdose of this protective instinct can leave the child weak and dependent.
A child should sometimes cry, occasionally fall, feel a bit hungry, walk longer distances, experience interrupted sleep, tolerate thirst, learn self-control, endure heat, cold, and rain, solve their own problems, and wait patiently for things they desire. Learning to prove oneself for what one wants is crucial for a child’s future resilience.
While parents today might fulfill every demand immediately, life doesn’t always deliver so easily. There’s an old saying that goes, “Nothing is handed on a platter; you have to work for everything.” Life is inherently challenging, and only those who learn endurance, both mentally and physically, can truly thrive. Developing resilience will significantly help children navigate life’s uncertainties.
An English speaker’s viral video captures this beautifully: “My grandfather walked twenty miles every day, my father owned a small cheap car, I drive a Fortuner, my son might drive a top-class Mercedes, my grandson could even own a Ferrari—but my great-grandson will likely walk again. Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men inevitably create hard times again.”
We can appreciate that parents who’ve struggled immensely bring prosperity to their families. Yet, caution is necessary—overprotection during prosperous times can inadvertently produce weak children, who might then usher in difficult times once more. It’s vital for parents to strike a balance, nurturing strength and resilience in their children to ensure enduring prosperity and strength in future generations.