When you say over parenting -- what do you mean? I'm genuinely interested.
Children need to understand that they are an important part of a family, of a community, of the world. But too many parents nowadays are doing so much for their children that the children begin to get a sense of entitlement. They are not growing up understanding that one must earn self-esteem. They think it is something they are entitled to. Unfortunately, this has also become a big thing in our schools. We have to get back to teaching children that they must earn respect; that material rewards for doing the right thing, or doing well on an assignment are not the important thing. As parents, we must stop competing with the "Jones." That's a tough one for parents. If Johnny's parents decide to buy Johnny a car, we feel guilty if we don't do the same. I am speaking in general terms and there is so much more I could say - we have made things too safe in some ways, too child-centric.