Every parent wants to ensure their child avoids trouble. Whether it is forgetting homework, quarreling with a friend, facing issues with a teacher, or getting low marks on an exam, parents often feel the urge to step in immediately and resolve the problem. However, have you ever considered that solving every single one of your child's problems yourself might prevent them from learning how to face life's challenges? This practice is known as "Lawnmower Parenting," where parents attempt to clear away every obstacle in their child's path before the child even encounters it. Consequently, the child misses out on the opportunity to learn from failures and challenges.

What is Lawnmower Parenting?
The term "Lawnmower Parenting" is derived from the lawnmower machine, which clears a path by cutting down everything in its way. Similarly, these parents try to eliminate every difficulty their child might face before it actually arises. In a parenting context, this means parents intervene before the child has a chance to deal with a problem, failure, conflict, or the consequences of their actions. Just as a lawnmower clears away weeds and obstacles as it moves, these parents smooth out the path entirely, preventing their child from having to struggle. This style is also referred to as "Pram Parenting" or "Bulldozer Parenting."

You start solving the child's problems yourself.
Suppose your child gets into an argument with a friend. If you immediately contact the other child's parents or start doing the homework or project yourself, it could be a sign of Lawnmower Parenting. Children should be given the chance to try and resolve problems on their own first.

You cannot bear to see your child fail
Getting low marks, failing to complete a task on time, or forgetting something important are all part of the learning process for children. However, if you constantly try to shield them from such situations, they fail to learn from their mistakes. **Always speaking on the child's behalf**
While supporting your child is positive, it is not right to speak for them in every situation, whether big or small. If the child is capable of expressing themselves, they should be given the opportunity to do so. This boosts their self-confidence and teaches them how to face their own problems.

**Trying to shield the child at all times**
Parental intervention is not necessary for every difficulty. Sometimes a child might lose a game, have a disagreement with friends, feel lonely, or get frustrated while learning something new. Although these experiences may seem tough, they are precisely what make the child strong and resilient.

**Doing tasks for the child that they could do themselves**
Parents might be able to perform a task better or faster than the child, but the real question is whether the child is ready to do it themselves. If a child is capable of performing a task appropriate for their age, they should be given the chance to try.

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