What Is Lawnmower Parenting? Signs, Impacts & How to Stop

Listen to this article

Ever heard of parents who try to clear all problems out of their kid’s way? That’s called “Lawnmower Parenting.” Imagine a lawn mower cutting down all the grass and obstacles in its path.

Similarly, these parents aim to make life super smooth for their children by solving all their problems for them. While it might sound like a good idea, there are some big downsides. Let’s learn more about the signs, impacts, and how to strike a balance.

What is a lawnmower parent?

Lawnmower parents are parents who adopt a specific style of parenting characterized by the parent’s tendency to clear away challenges and obstacles from their child’s path, much like a lawnmower cuts down grass to create a smooth surface. 

The lawnmower parent’s meaning essentially revolves around their desire to prevent their children from facing any form of hardship or discomfort. While their intentions might stem from a place of love and concern, this approach can sometimes hinder a child’s ability to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and independence. 

Recognizing this parenting style is the first step towards understanding its implications and potential effects on child development.

What is the difference between a helicopter parent and a lawnmower parent?

Helicopter parents and lawnmower parents both exhibit overprotective tendencies, but helicopter parents vs. lawnmower parents manifest in different ways:

Nature of involvement

• Helicopter parent: These parents hover closely overhead, always keeping a watchful eye on their children. They’re involved in every aspect of their child’s life, often to an excessive degree.
• Lawnmower parent: These parents aim to clear away any potential obstacles from their child’s path, ensuring that their child doesn’t face challenges or discomfort.

Motivation

• Helicopter parent: Typically driven by anxiety and a deep-seated need to ensure their child’s safety, success, and well-being in every situation.
• Lawnmower parent: Primarily motivated by a desire to prevent their child from experiencing any form of hardship or failure.

Outcome for the child

• Helicopter parent: The child might feel closely monitored and may struggle with decision-making or independence due to constant oversight.
• Lawnmower parent: The child might lack resilience and problem-solving skills since they’re rarely allowed to face and overcome challenges on their own.

Impact of lawnmower parenting: 7 risk areas to consider

Lawnmower parenting, characterized by parents’ efforts to clear away challenges for their children, can have unintended consequences. Here are five ways this parenting style might impact a child’s development:

• Children raised by lawnmower parents may struggle to handle challenges on their own, as they’re accustomed to having obstacles removed for them.
• Without facing and overcoming challenges, these children might not develop the resilience needed to bounce back from setbacks or failures.
• Over time, being shielded from difficulties can lead to heightened anxiety when faced with unfamiliar situations or minor obstacles.
• Children might become overly reliant on their parents for guidance and support, struggling to make decisions or take actions independently.
• By not allowing children to experience natural consequences, they may lack a realistic understanding of the world and their role in it, leading to potential struggles in adulthood.
• Children of lawnmower parents may not develop necessary problem-solving skills, as they rarely encounter situations that require them to think critically and overcome challenges independently.
• Without experiencing natural highs and lows, these children can struggle with emotional regulation, often feeling overwhelmed when faced with stressors outside of their controlled home environment.

13 signs you may be a lawnmower parent

Parenting is a journey filled with its own set of challenges and rewards. Every parent wants the best for their child, but sometimes, in an effort to protect and provide, one might cross the line into over-involvement. 

The term “Lawnmower Parent” has emerged to describe parents who go to great lengths to remove any obstacles from their child’s path. If you’re wondering whether you might be leaning toward this style, here are 11 signs to consider.

1. You often complete tasks your child could do on their own

One of the first signs of being a lawnmower parent is taking over tasks that your child is capable of doing independently. 

Whether it’s tying their shoes, completing their homework, or even speaking for them in social situations, you might be inhibiting their growth by not allowing them to handle things on their own.

2. You frequently intervene in your child’s conflicts

If your child has a disagreement with a friend or a minor issue at school, and your first instinct is to step in and resolve it for them, you might be exhibiting lawnmower tendencies. Children need to learn conflict resolution skills, and they can only do so by handling conflicts themselves.

3. You’re overly concerned about your child’s comfort

While it’s natural to want your child to be comfortable, if you find yourself going to extreme lengths to ensure they never face discomfort (like always carrying their backpack for them or ensuring they never have to wait), you might be a lawnmower mom or dad.

4. You make decisions for your child without consulting them

Whether it’s choosing their extracurricular activities, their clothes, or even their friends, making decisions without involving your child can rob them of their sense of agency and independence.

5. You’re always in contact with their teachers

It’s good to be involved in your child’s education, but if you’re constantly emailing or calling their teachers about every minor issue or concern, it might be a sign that you’re trying to mow down any academic challenges they might face.

6. You shield them from natural consequences

If your child forgets their homework or doesn’t study for a test, and you find yourself making excuses for them or trying to fix the situation, you’re preventing them from facing the natural consequences of their actions.

7. You’re more concerned about their failures than they are

Failures and setbacks are a natural part of life. However, if you find yourself more upset or anxious about your child’s failures than they are, it might indicate that you’re too invested in removing obstacles from their path.

8. You often use phrases like “I just want what’s best for them”

While this sentiment is common among all parents, if you use it as a justification for over-involvement or for solving all of your child’s problems, it might be a sign of lawnmower parenting and probably not the right approach.

9. You struggle to see them upset

It’s tough for any parent to see their child upset. However, if you go to great lengths to ensure they never experience disappointment or sadness, you might be avoiding essential life lessons they need to learn to face the future.

10. You prioritize your anxiety over their growth

Every parent feels anxious about their child’s well-being. But if your anxiety leads you to constantly intervene, preventing them from facing challenges and growing from them, it’s one of the significant lawn mower problems.

11. You often compare your parenting to others

If you find yourself frequently comparing your involvement in your child’s life to other parents and feeling like you need to do more to “keep up,” it might be time to reflect on whether you’re clearing too many obstacles for them.

12. You alter your schedule to accommodate your child’s unnecessary needs

If you find yourself rearranging or completely dropping your plans regularly to ensure that your child never has to manage on their own, handle logistics, or make adjustments, this might be a sign of lawnmower parenting. 

While supportive parenting involves some level of schedule flexibility, excessive accommodation can prevent children from learning time management and adaptability.

13. You monitor your child’s online interactions closely to prevent exposure to any negative content

While it’s crucial to ensure children’s safety on the internet, overly sanitizing their online experience and interactions can be an indicator of lawnmower parenting. 

The excessive monitoring could involve continuously checking their messages or social media, restricting them from using online platforms that are appropriate for their age, or frequently stepping in to handle communications with their peers. This type of monitoring can impede their ability to develop digital literacy and autonomy in navigating online spaces.

How to stop being a lawnmower parent: 11 tips

The realization that one might be a lawnmower parent can be a tough pill to swallow. However, recognizing this tendency is the first step towards change. 

If you’re looking to shift away from this parenting style and foster more independence and resilience in your child, here are nine strategies to consider.

1. Embrace the value of struggle

Understand that facing challenges and overcoming them is a crucial part of personal growth. Struggles teach resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance. Instead of viewing obstacles as detrimental, see them as opportunities for your child to learn and grow.

2. Foster open communication

Encourage your child to express their feelings, concerns, and desires. By listening to them, you can better understand their needs and avoid making decisions on their behalf without their input. This not only empowers them but also strengthens your bond.

3. Set boundaries for your involvement

It’s essential to be involved in your child’s life, but there should be limits. Decide on specific areas where you’ll take a step back and let your child take the lead. This could be in their school projects, resolving minor conflicts with friends, or managing their daily chores.

4. Encourage problem-solving

Instead of immediately jumping in to solve problems for your child, ask them questions that guide them towards finding their own solutions. 

Phrases like “What do you think you could do?” or “How do you feel about this situation?” can prompt them to think critically and come up with their own answers.

5. Celebrate failures as learning opportunities

Change your perspective on failures. Instead of viewing them as negative outcomes, see them as valuable lessons. When your child faces setbacks, discuss what they learned from the experience and how they can approach similar situations differently in the future.

6. Prioritize life skills

Teach your child essential life skills like cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and time management. These skills not only prepare them for adulthood but also boost their confidence and sense of independence.

7. Seek feedback from trusted individuals

Sometimes, it’s helpful to get an outside perspective. Talk to trusted friends, family members, or even teachers about your parenting style. They might offer insights or observations that you haven’t considered, helping you identify areas where you might be overstepping.

8. Reflect on your own anxieties

Often, lawnmower parenting stems from a parent’s anxieties rather than the child’s needs. Take time to reflect on your fears and concerns. Understanding the root of your behaviors can help you address them more effectively. If needed, consider seeking professional counseling or joining a parenting group for support.

9. Trust in your child’s abilities

Believe in your child’s potential and capabilities. Remember that every child is unique and will grow and learn at their own pace. By trusting in their abilities, you give them the confidence to face challenges head-on and develop a strong sense of self.

10. Allow natural consequences

Teach your child accountability by letting natural consequences unfold when it’s safe to do so. For example, if they forget to bring their homework to school, resist the urge to bring it to them. This allows them to experience the results of their actions directly and understand the importance of responsibility.

11. Promote decision-making skills

Gradually increase your child’s involvement in making decisions that affect their life. Start with smaller decisions, like choosing their clothes or planning their lunch, and gradually involve them in more significant choices. This practice helps them build confidence in their judgment and fosters independence.

Parenting plays an important role in shaping who children become, but psychologist Yuko Munakata offers an alternative, research-backed reality that highlights how it’s just one of many factors that influence childhood development:

FAQs

The complexities of parenting often lead to questions about styles and approaches. Here’s a quick FAQ addressing some common queries about lawnmower parenting pros and cons, and its implications.

• Is lawnmower parenting ever helpful?

Yes, in certain situations, the instincts behind lawnmower parenting can be beneficial. For instance, when a child faces extreme challenges or is in a situation that is genuinely harmful or beyond their capacity to handle, a parent’s intervention is both necessary and helpful. 

The key is to differentiate between situations that are genuinely harmful and those that are merely uncomfortable but essential for growth.

• What is the opposite of a lawnmower parent?

The opposite of a lawnmower parent is often referred to as a “free-range parent.” Free-range parenting emphasizes independence and allows children to make their own decisions, experience natural consequences, and learn from their mistakes. 

This style of parenting believes in the value of unstructured play and exploration, allowing children to navigate the world with minimal parental intervention.

• How can lawnmower parenting affect my child’s future?

Lawnmower parenting can have several long-term effects on a child’s future. By consistently removing obstacles, children might not develop essential life skills like problem-solving, resilience, and coping with failures. 

This can lead to challenges in adulthood, such as increased anxiety, difficulty handling stress, and a lack of independence. In professional settings, they might struggle with criticism or setbacks, as they’re not accustomed to facing challenges head-on.

• How do I know if I’m being a lawnmower parent?

Self-awareness is crucial. Reflect on your behaviors and motivations. Are you consistently stepping in to prevent your child from facing challenges or discomfort? Are you making decisions for them without their input? 

If you find yourself removing obstacles from your child’s path even when they’re capable of handling them, you might be leaning towards lawnmower parenting.

• Is it wrong to want the best for my child and protect them?

Absolutely not. Every parent wants the best for their child and seeks to protect them. The challenge lies in distinguishing between genuine threats and valuable learning opportunities. It’s essential to strike a balance between protecting your child and allowing them to experience and learn from life’s ups and downs.

The balanced parenting

Parenting is a complex journey, filled with a myriad of decisions and challenges. While the intentions behind lawnmower parenting come from a place of love and concern, it’s essential to recognize the potential long-term impacts on a child’s development. 

Striking a balance between protection and independence is key. By fostering resilience, problem-solving skills, and a sense of agency in children, parents can prepare them for a future where they can confidently deal with the world’s challenges and thrive.