As parents, we sometimes make mistakes that we believe are protective, yet in reality, they turn into burdens for our children. One such mistake is being overly strict in choosing our child’s friends and interfering excessively in their social life.

My Personal Experience

I once thought that by deciding whom my daughter should befriend and whom she should avoid, I was ensuring her safety and protecting her from harm. What I later discovered, however, was that I was restricting her while believing I was setting her free.

My daughter began to feel incapable of making her own choices, constantly needing someone to guide her and decide on her behalf. This deeply affected her self-confidence, making her hesitant and afraid of making mistakes.

The Psychological Perspective

From a psychological point of view, children need the space to experiment. Yes, they may sometimes make poor choices, but these mistakes are an essential part of learning and growth.

Excessive interference doesn’t protect them—it actually hinders the development of their personality and weakens their social skills.

The True Role of Parents

The true role of parents is not to choose their children’s friends, but to teach them how to choose: how to distinguish between a genuine and a false friend, and how to build healthy relationships based on respect and mutual support.

Wise parenting is about striking a balance between protection and freedom, between guidance and space. When we trust our children, we help them grow into individuals who can face the world with confidence and independence.