Stepping in to help your child might feel like the responsible thing to do. Whether it’s smoothing over a tough day or lightening their workload, many parents believe they’re protecting their child from unnecessary stress. But doing too much for them—especially things they can handle on their own—can quietly get in the way of their growth.
More and more experts are warning about the long-term effects of over-involvement, especially when it comes to tasks that build resilience. The good news? By adjusting just one everyday habit, parents can encourage independence and strengthen their child’s ability to solve problems on their own.
What’s the everyday habit parents should stop to encourage independence?
Doing their homework. While it might feel supportive to solve a math problem or correct their essay, this habit can limit your child’s ability to develop critical problem-solving skills.
Studies have shown that kids who are allowed to navigate difficult tasks on their own build resilience, patience, and a stronger sense of self-efficacy. It’s not about leaving them alone—it’s about letting them try, fail, and try again, while knowing you’re there if they really need help.
Psychologist Deborah Gilboa, MD, explains that mistakes are essential learning tools: “Failure and challenges teach kids new skills, and, most importantly, teach kids that they can handle failure and challenges.” Refraining from “fixing” everything gives children the chance to think for themselves and feel capable.
How to stop doing your child’s homework without disconnecting
This doesn’t mean backing off completely. The goal is to shift from doing to guiding. Instead of giving answers, ask open-ended questions that help your child think through the problem. Create a space where effort is recognized and mistakes are seen as part of the process.
Tips for making the transition:
- Let them lead. Allow them to attempt the task before stepping in.
- Praise persistence. Highlight their effort, not perfection.
- Offer support, not solutions. Only step in when they truly need help.
- Stay patient. Progress can be slow, but the long-term benefits are worth it.
7 other signs you might be a helicopter parent
Overhelping with homework is just one red flag. Here are other habits that may be signs of helicopter parenting:
- You step in to solve their conflicts: Whether it’s a school issue or a problem with a friend, jumping in too quickly can keep them from learning to handle it themselves.
- You interfere during their sports activities: Constantly giving advice or confronting their coach can prevent them from building independence through challenges.
- You limit their freedom too much: Excessive supervision and controlling their movements can hold them back from gaining confidence.
- You handle all the household responsibilities: Doing chores for them—even when they’re old enough—can stop them from learning what it means to be responsible.
- You avoid letting them take risks: Trying to keep them safe from everything might actually delay their development and resilience.
- You fix things before they fail: By not allowing them to make mistakes, you take away valuable opportunities for growth.
- You run their schedule and tasks: Managing everything for them—from meals to schoolwork—teaches dependence instead of self-reliance.