Are Modern Parenting Styles Weakening Children’s Resilience? Expert Shares Tips To Build Mental Strength In Kids On Children’s Day 2025

Modern parenting, informed by love and protection, tends to err in the direction of over-involvement in a child's life, which experts say could unwittingly weaken resilience. And in an instant-gratification world, there are fewer opportunities for children to deal with disappointment or failure, making them dependent and less emotionally resilient. In trying to protect children from struggles, parents may inadvertently deny them opportunities to develop themselves and solve problems independently. This Children's Day 2025, the spotlight is on balanced development-where care meets challenge. To give children mental strength, parenting must make conscious decisions toward their independence, perseverance and emotional intelligence at an early age.

Today's digital and competitive world has reshaped family dynamics, blurring the boundaries between support and overprotection. In their zeal to provide the best, many parents step in too quickly and shield children from learning through natural consequences. It is suggested that resilience, or the ability to cope with adversities, is not inborn but cultivated through exposure to manageable challenges. As Children's Day 2025 celebrates the spirit of growth and discovery, it urges parents to embrace constructive discomfort. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Disha Sharma, a psychologist from Lissun, allows children to fall, adapt and rise again helps them develop confidence, adaptability and problem-solving skills essential for thriving in an uncertain future.

Modern parents are more aware and involved than ever, but psychologists increasingly observe that many children struggle to manage frustration or failure. The reason isn’t a lack of love- it’s often the form that love takes today.

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The Modern Parenting Paradox

“Parents today juggle multiple roles - demanding jobs, household duties, and the pressure to ‘do it all’,” says Disha Sharma, Child Psychologist at Lissun. “Out of guilt for not spending enough time, many try to compensate by removing every obstacle for their child, fulfilling every wish or stepping in too quickly when things go wrong. It comes from love, but it can take away the learning that comes from struggle.”

Research supports this. Studies published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies show that overinvolved or “snowplow” parenting - where parents clear every hurdle for their children - is linked with lower self-efficacy, poor problem-solving, and higher anxiety. Small frustrations and mistakes are actually crucial for developing emotional regulation and resilience.

How Parents Can Build Mental Strength In Kids (Image Credits: Canva)

Small, Mindful Shifts To Build Mental Strength In Kids

Be Present, Not Perfect: Rather than doing the task for your child, stay nearby for emotional support. Let them know, “This is your job - I believe in you, and I’m right here if you need me.” That quiet presence builds both confidence and security.

Normalise Emotions: Labelling and validating feelings helps children regulate them - a core principle in emotional intelligence research.

Praise Effort, Not Outcome: Studies show that focusing on persistence encourages a growth mindset and long-term motivation.

Model Calm: Children learn coping by observing their parents.

Set Boundaries With Love: Saying “no” sometimes fosters patience and self-control.

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Raising Resilient Kids For A Resilient Future

“Resilience isn’t about being tough all the time,” adds Sharma. “It’s about helping children trust that they can face challenges - and knowing you’ll be there to cheer them on, no matter the outcome.”

This Children’s Day, let’s give our kids not a smoother path, but the steady assurance that they can walk it - fall, rise, and thrive.