It’s never easy reading definitions of terms like “Helicopter Parent” or “Lawnmower Parent” and realize, “Oh, my gosh – that describes me to a tee!” Once the cartoon lightbulbs clear from above your head during one of a million parenting AHA moments yet to come, it’s important not to beat yourself up. Instead, remind yourself immediately that there is no parenting handbook (if only it were that simple) and your intentions are always to make life better for your children. Having children who know they are loved and protected is a huge accomplishment – celebrate it!

The next action you might take, after recognizing your best intentions may not result in the best outcome, is to keep educating yourself. There are abundant resources to learn new, exciting and positive ways to parent, without wrapping your children in bubble wrap and mowing over any potential threat in their lives. Parenting is not one size fits all. Feeling stuck? AZ+A works directly with many parents to find approach that works best for their child.

At AZ+A we design play-based activities and games where our young clients are safe yet challenged. Failure is an ugly word for something that teaches so much. The children who enjoy time in our playhouse during pediatric therapy for sensory and developmental differences often experience some failure but they are resilient and keep trying. The pride and confidence they build when overcoming challenges inspire us every day. This article takes a deep dive into helping parents see why turning off the lawnmower, and landing the helicopter results in stronger, confident and resilient kids.