Effects Of Control Freak Parents

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Controlling parenting techniques range from unfair authoritative discipline to extreme neediness. Both extremes can be frustrating for a child, resulting in a warped sense of independence and self-assurance. Control-freak parents don't always intentionally control and manipulate their children, but the long-term effects are still harmful. Honest and open discussions between parents and children might not resolve all the issues, but they can open doors to improved family interactions.

1. Resentment

Control-freak parents often make every decision for their children and refuse to let them take on age-appropriate responsibilities. For this, children despise their parent's unfair and domineering behavior, feeling like they have no room to spread their wings. According to Kansas State University counseling services, children of controlling parents frequently feel resentful, inadequate and powerless. Controlling parents might feel like they're protecting and sheltering their kids, but children often see it as intrusive and over-bearing -- eventually leading to anger and bitterness.

2. Delinquency

A serious effect of control-freak parenting is delinquent behavior. According to research conducted by the University of New Hampshire, an authoritarian parent with an “it’s my way or the highway” mindset was more likely to raise disrespectful, delinquent children than a parent who gained her children's respect and trust. Children need authority, so they learn to follow rules and understand consequences for misconduct. However, authoritarian parents who dominate, manipulate and dole out harsh punishments have difficulty gaining their children's respect. On the other hand, the New Hampshire study showed that authoritative, controlling parents who balanced their behavior with warm and receptive responses to their children's needs -- welcoming open communication -- had self-reliant, content children.

3. Difficulty Transitioning to Adulthood

Children of controlling parents have trouble making the leap from childhood to adulthood. Kansas State University reports that transitions into adult roles are difficult for children who've grown up with controlling parents because they have trouble making decisions for themselves. You can't expect a child who's never experienced independence to suddenly have the maturity and problem-solving skills to make all the right choices. Control-freak parents often produce children who feel guilty and disloyal when they make independent decisions, fearing they'll disappoint their over-bearing parents. Controlling parenting techniques hinder growth and often create unhealthy patterns of co-dependency.

4. Insecurity

Insecurity is a harmful by-product of controlling parents. Children who grow up without independent thought, decision-making responsibilities and problem-solving skills flounder in the real world. Once they leave their authoritarian, overly-protective environment, they aren't quite sure how to behave. Some children lack confidence, experience low self-esteem and respond apprehensively to the world around them. Others may lash out in anger and rebel against societal norms. Insecurity often results in unhappiness, leading to unhealthy relationships in and out of the home. It can also bring self harm and low self esteem in life.

If you find yourself trying to control everything, ask yourself what's more important-the mess that is going to be left by your child playing with glue, or his overall mental health?

Letting go and sometimes allowing your child to play freely or travel with trustd pals can be a good not just for him, but also for you as well.