Lawnmower Parents

I came across a new phrase today – lawnmower parents. Now, I have heard of helicopter parents, they just hover over their kids and stay involved in their lives … even into the 30s. They call about interviews for them, set up doctors appointments, and even get involved in dates and more. But lawnmower parents take it to the next level. They go out in front of their kids and mow down every problem, every distraction, and every thing that would cause their kids stress.

They level all conflict and try to make sure their kid has every little entitled thing the young (or old) brat thinks they deserve. They mow it down everything in their kid’s path.

Now, I admit, I tried to give Calvin things I never had. I want him to do well and succeed. But to take it to this level of involvement damages the progression into independence. The child’s learning to overcome opposition and conflict will be delayed. It may even stunt their reaching maturity at an age where they need it – as they step out (or are pushed out) into the world where they will need to fend for themselves.

As I prepare to relocate, leaving Calvin in Dallas will be one of the more difficult parts of the transition. But I know he is capable, if a bit unsure of himself.

God never promised a smooth road, a conflict free life. Just the opposite, He pretty much told us there would be opposition and struggling.

God never promised a smooth road, a conflict free life. Just the opposite, He pretty much told us there would be opposition and struggling. But these parts of our journey strengthen us, give us a deeper faith, and create a character within us.

There are many things I wish my parents had taught me more about. And there are areas where I wish I had done better with Calvin. But I know this, I showed him how important it is to love God, be faithful to one’s spouse, and to show grace to others. I showed him to love God with everything, for God loves us so much.

So, don’t be a lawnmower parent – let your child grow and experience all that there is – including loss and hardship. But love them through every step of the way.

So Calvin – when you get up to Evergreen, I’ll have a lawnmower for you to use, not one that goes before you.

Todd

Original article here