Commando parenting is characterised by strict, controlling, and overly involved parenting techniques. It is a style of parenting that is focused on micro-managing a child’s life, dictating activities, and limiting their freedom and autonomy. This type of parenting style is also referred to as “helicopter parenting”, which basically involves parent’s excessive involvement in their child’s life and decisions. Commando parents often use guilt, shame, and fear to control their children’s behaviour.
Commando parenting is frequently viewed as the outcome of a parent's need for control and fear of the unknown. It is often seen as the result of a parent’s own childhood experiences or an attempt to protect their child from making mistakes. Commando parents may also be trying to ensure their child’s success by over pushing them to strive for excellence in all areas of their life.
Commando Parenting Is Overprotective And Intrusive
The consequences of commando parenting can be severe as it is intrusive. Child raised by commando parenting lacks trust, resentment, and self-esteem. Children of commando parents may also struggle to make and keep relationships and may become overly dependent on their parents. Additionally, children raised in an environment of strict control may struggle to develop autonomy, self-reliance, and self-confidence.
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In order to avoid commando parenting, parents should focus on developing a strong relationship with their child based on trust, respect, and open communication. Parents should also encourage their child to explore their interests, set goals, and make independent decisions, while providing guidance and support.
Effect Of Commando Parenting On The Mental Health Of A Child
The effects of commando parenting on a child’s mental health can be far-reaching and long-lasting. A study published in NCBI have found that children raised by helicopter parents often struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Children who don’t feel like they are in control of their own lives and decisions can develop feelings of worthlessness, powerlessness, and helplessness. They may also struggle with forming healthy relationships and trusting other people.
The lack of autonomy can also lead to difficulty in making decisions and problem-solving, as well as difficulty in asserting themselves in situations. This can lead to an inability to take responsibility for their own actions and make them more prone to failure and poor performance in school, work, and other areas of life.
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In order to ensure their child’s mental health, parents should strive to provide a balanced parenting style that encourages independence and autonomy while still offering guidance and support.
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