There at least three areas where you want to make sure you haven’t become excessive in protecting your kids, teens, and even young adults.

Don’t Overprotect From Hardship

Protecting children from hardship, to the extreme, fosters unrealistic expectations about how life works.

• Instead of being resentful when people or circumstances put your child through a trial, choose to view this as an opportunity for character development.
• Study what the Bible teaches about suffering and pass it along to your children to apply during their painful times. (Rom. 5:3, 8:17, 18; 2 Cor. 1:5; Phil. 1:29, 3:10; 2 Tim. 4:5; 1 Pet. 4:13; Rev. 2:10)
• Value problem-solving over problem-avoiding.

Don’t Overprotect From Lack

Protecting youth from lack, to the extreme, fosters entitlement.

• Help your kids acknowledge that they are no better than the next guy. (Rom. 3:23; 2 Cor. 1:6)
• Make sure you are giving/expecting enough responsibility of your kids.
• Monitor how well they respond to doing hard things and model this for them.
• Teach young people empathy.
• Don’t emphasize what is fair; focus on what is loving. (Rom. 5:20; Eph. 2:8-9)

Don’t Overprotect From Bad Behavior

Protecting kids from bad behavior, to the extreme, prevents relationship with parents and/or with God.

• Accept the fact that forced morality doesn’t change the heart. You can’t make your kids be good; only God can work goodness in His people.
• Remind yourself that rules without relationship leads to resentment.
• Really listen to your kids before talking with them; don’t talk at them.
• Let your family see that God is a real friend in your life so that they will be inspired to follow His way.

Before you choose to extend “protection” always consider the risks and consequences…position your children to receive godliness from Him more than you strive to keep them “safe.” (Mt. 10:34; Jn. 15:1-11; Gal. 5:22-23)