Being involved in your child’s life is one thing, but being involved in everything can lead to unintended consequences. Some parents mistake constant supervision, decision-making, and monitoring for support.A 2025 study tracking 800 young adults found those raised by highly controlling parents reported lower self-determination, higher social anxiety, and greater fear of intimacy in adulthood.
Developmental psychologist Tronick’s research (which we mentioned earlier) found children in healthy relationships are mismatched with their caregiver around 70% of the time, and the recovery from that mismatch is what builds resilience. Children need the experience of managing small difficulties, not just being protected from them.
