Are You A 'Velcro Parent' Without Realizing It?

"What is Velcro parenting? "A Velcro parent is a caregiver who remains constantly attached to their child ― physically, emotionally, mentally, and/or logistically," clinical psychologist and author Jenny Yip told HuffPost. "Unlike helicopter parenting, which involves monitoring from above, Velcro parenting is about staying fused. The parent tightly shadows the child's experiences, often stepping in at the earliest sign of discomfort, challenge or uncertainty.""

""Fostering a strong attachment is absolutely critical for a child's growth and development," said parenting coach Kristene Geering. "But as the child matures, it's important to give them opportunities to explore on their own. If parents are never, ever away from their children, the kids don't get that opportunity and miss out on a lot of opportunities to learn things like resilience and independence.""

Velcro parenting describes caregivers who remain constantly attached to children physically, emotionally, mentally, or logistically. Parents tightly shadow children's experiences and intervene at the earliest sign of discomfort rather than allowing children to navigate disappointment, frustration, boredom, or uncertainty. Strong attachment supports growth, but constant parental presence limits opportunities for independent exploration, risk-taking, problem-solving, and resilience-building. Velcro parenting often stems from love, protection, and a desire to prevent struggles but can create unhealthy symbiosis, constant monitoring, quick rescuing, and insufficient space for children to learn autonomy and coping skills.

Read at HuffPost