Day 25

Another book in the parenting genre that’s been open on my side table for a couple of weeks now is called 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do by Amy Morin. Amy has written a few other books probably most notable and a favorite of mine, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. Amy writes so well and uses case studies and personal experience to drive home the messages in each of her books. Her appearances on the James Altucher podcast are also great if you’re looking for something to listen to.

One of the 13 things from this parenting book that I want to write about is “They don’t allow fear to dictate their choices.” Why this particular concept? When I first read the chapter title and some examples of this playing out in the context of parenting, I could imagine how some of my proclivities and anxious tendencies could manifest into a fear-based parenting approach without intentional management.

For example, I think it would be very easy to transfer my own fears to my child even without consciously doing so. I don’t want my anxieties to needlessly become anxieties for my daughter. I do want her to be able to independently problem solve and navigate situations without me swooping in to protect her from failure or low stakes harm. I do believe there are certain obstacles and difficulties in life that we must all go through to develop skills and practice resilience.

This fear-based parenting trap is something I want to keep my eye on so that I don’t fall into some of these bad practices. I don’t think I’m at any risk of being under-protective, so it’s the other side of the continuum that I must manage. I’ll share more thoughts on Morin’s book soon.

So long for now.

Felix