I always had a sneaking suspicion that dirt was actually GOOD for my children. The paste-eater from my elementary school was literally NEVER sick. Perfect attendance award. K-5th. No way there wasn’t some link there. Just as researchers are uncovering the benefits of contact with dirt ranging from mood elevation to robust immune systems, it seems that there could be such a thing as too clean a home.  Not mine, you need to bring your own toilet-seat cover if you show up to my house unannounced. But just as eliminating all unpleasant germs and dirt can weaken a child’s immune system, parental elimination of unpleasantries, decisions and responsibilities can weaken a child’s self-sufficiency system.

So what do you mean by over parenting? Shouldn’t you focus your energies on parents who neglect their kids? Why harass good parents like me? What’s the freaking matter with you?

Great questions. Over parenting is a trend which as Dr. Lisa Firestone states, “When we assume our children need more than they do, we are undermining their abilities and hurting their confidence. As parents, we often fail to recognize how capable our children are. Little acts like pushing them in the stroller instead of letting them walk or giving them a snack before they even feel hunger teaches them to believe they need more looking after than they actually do.”

Dr. Firestone goes on to quote a 2011 Pew Research survey in which, “40 % of 18-to-24-year-olds currently live with their parents, and the vast majority of them say that they did not move back for financial reasons.” I love my son with all of my heart. I love my couch as well. I just do not want to look up and see the two together in five years.

And what of the kids who aren’t being smothered with resources? Well, my husband, John and I have a non-profit, Maggie Lee for Good which among other benevolent causes provides a beautiful clothes-shopping experience for those kids who need uniforms and regular clothes. Maggie Lee’s Closet is one small attempt to take care of some of God’s favorite people who are in desperate need of clothes. It is not life-saving but it has been life-changing.

I do not believe that harassment gets results. This is an attempt to share my ignorance with parents like you. We are all doing our best, prone to occasionally lose ourselves but SUPER HOPEFUL that our efforts will make ourselves, our kids and ultimately, our society better.

As far as what’s the freaking matter with me? Too early to tell. I’m just getting warmed up good.