Parents - you could be HURTING your kids by trying to HELP them.

We all want what’s best for our children, but sometimes it’s hard to know when to step in and correct them and when to let them suffer the consequences. But here’s the deal - too much help from mom and dad can keep kids from learning skills they’ll need as adults. Even worse, it can lead to rebellious behavior when kids have to make tough choices as teens.

Here are 3 warning signs that you’re over-involved in your kid’s life, courtesy of Web MD:

#1. You constantly referee their friendships. Kids need to learn how to work out their disagreements. The experts say you shouldn’t get involved unless someone’s about to get hurt. Left to themselves, kids usually find a compromise.

Next: You pick out your kids’ clothing. As long as an outfit doesn’t fall outside your family’s values, keep quiet. If you don’t argue about what color socks to wear, it’ll mean more when you really do object to a piece of clothing.

And one last sign that you’re over involved in your child’s life: You do their homework. Kids should be doing their homework independently by the time they’re in the 3rd grade. After that, they should ask for help with specific problems.

Bottom line: If you’re a micromanager, you need to start letting your child make little decisions, like what to wear or whether to make their bed in the morning. And before you step in to any situation, ask yourself this question: Will what I’m about to do help my child grow up to be a good adult? The answer should guide your actions.

Once you stop fretting over little things, your children will take you more seriously when you talk about what REALLY matters.

Comment on this story