Parenting has always been an adventure, but in 2025, it feels like we’re living through a never-ending rollercoaster of “Should we be doing more?” and “Are we doing too much?” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when the world around us constantly shifts, and we’re bombarded with news, trends, and advice on how to raise our kids. So, are we raising resilient kids who can handle life’s challenges—or are we, unintentionally, wrapping them in so much bubble wrap that they’ll never manage without us?
Our Parenting Journey in 2025
As a parent to four kids, I’ve noticed how parenting today is vastly different from when I was a child. Growing up, I had a sense of freedom I see less and less in the world today. Now, with the constant hum of alerts and “warnings” from social media, I find myself questioning how much to shelter my kids, especially in this digital age.
Take Harrison, for example. He’s 13 now, and we’ve been home-educating for nearly a year. It’s a decision we made because we wanted him to have more control over his learning and time, as well as an issue with bullying, but even this choice comes with its own unique pressures. On one hand, it’s about fostering independence. On the other, I still feel the need to protect him from the pressures that come with being a teenager in 2025.
And then there’s Alex, my sporty, adventurous boy. His love for physical activity means I’m always walking that fine line between giving him the freedom to explore and constantly worrying about the “what-ifs.” I can’t help but wonder: am I holding him back by not letting him take more risks, or is it my duty to keep him safe?
Resilience: The Heart of the Matter
Resilience isn’t something that can be taught in a textbook—it’s built through life experiences. When we allow our kids to face challenges and learn from mistakes, we’re helping them develop the resilience they’ll need for the future. But here’s the kicker: it’s not always easy to watch them struggle.
For example, I’ve seen how my kids, especially Harrison, have had to adapt to our new home-education life. It hasn’t been smooth sailing all the time, and I can’t always protect him from frustrations. But I also know that when he works through challenges on his own, he builds confidence and grows.
It’s a bit like when Ben tries to tie his shoes and gets frustrated—he wants to give up, but I try to remind him that making mistakes is part of learning. It’s hard to resist the urge to step in and do it for him, but I know he’ll get there eventually.
Are We Overprotecting?
We’ve all been there. You want to keep your kids safe, and sometimes that means hovering a little more than we should. But are we inadvertently teaching them to fear failure instead of embracing it? I’ve found myself asking, “Am I overprotecting them?” more times than I’d like to admit.
- With Elizabeth, who’s now 5, it’s about letting her explore and try new things. Whether she’s trying to spell a tricky word or jumping off the sofa, I want her to feel confident in her abilities but also safe in her surroundings. Sometimes I have to fight the urge to micromanage and let her figure things out on her own.
- With Alex, it’s about encouraging him to push himself physically, but also knowing when to say, “Okay, maybe not today,” as much as I want him to be fearless.
It’s all about finding the balance, isn’t it?
Finding the Balance: Letting Go (A Little)
Parenting in 2025 means embracing a world that’s more connected, more cautious, and more aware of the dangers around us. But that doesn’t mean we need to overprotect. Instead, we can guide our kids to be self-sufficient, resilient, and confident in the face of challenges.
Here are a few things I’m learning as I try to navigate this balance:
- Allowing natural consequences. I try to resist the urge to swoop in every time one of the kids makes a mistake. Whether it’s a missed deadline for Harrison or a toy getting lost by Elizabeth, they’re learning real-world lessons.
- Encouraging independence. From teaching the kids how to cook simple meals to letting them choose their own clothes (even if it’s a little mismatched), giving them independence is key.
- Talking openly about mistakes. I often share my own mistakes with the kids. After all, I’m not perfect, and I want them to know it’s okay to mess up sometimes.
- Setting healthy boundaries. Whether it’s limiting screen time or making sure we eat dinner together as a family, it’s about keeping the things that matter in focus.
Final Thoughts
So, are we raising resilient kids or overprotected ones? The truth is, it’s a little bit of both. We’re living in a time where safety is more of a concern than ever, but it’s also a time where we can teach our kids how to be adaptable, strong, and resourceful in the face of the unknown.
As I look at my family, I can see how each of them is learning resilience in their own way. It’s not always easy, and sometimes I second-guess myself, but I know we’re all doing the best we can.
