A Psychologist Explains How 'Snowplow Parenting' Can Cripple Children's Development

The parental urge to protect your child from suffering might stunt their growth.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | January 5, 2024

Diverging from the hands-off approach of laissez-faire parenting or the well-intentioned but hovering tendencies of helicopter parenting, snowplow parenting is characterized by a meticulous effort on the part of parents to clear away obstacles from their children's lives. The manifestations are diverse, ranging from restricting age-appropriate activities to completing homework for the child, intervening in disagreements and micromanaging the child's daily life. 

Parents who adopt a snowplow approach may find themselves doing everything for their children, rationalizing efficiency over independence. Excessive protective measures may manifest as an overbearing shield, preventing children from engaging in age-appropriate activities due to parental fear. This also extends to unilaterally clearing obstacles from their children's paths and shielding them from the natural consequences of their actions.

While this may stem from well-intentioned roots of love and a shared aspiration for their child's happiness and success, this style of parenting, rooted in overprotection, may inadvertently compromise children's long-term well-being. It disrupts the delicate balance between support and independence, hindering the healthy development of crucial life skills.

Here are three ways snowplow parenting impacts children as they transition into adulthood.

1. Lack Of Autonomy

When parents consistently remove obstacles and make decisions for their children, the child is deprived of the opportunity to learn essential life skills and independence. The absence of autonomy becomes a pervasive theme in the lives of individuals raised under the shadow of snowplow parenting, influencing their self-perception and ability to navigate the world with resilience and confidence.

A study published in Emerging Adulthood underscores this point, shedding light on the impact of autonomy-restricting behaviors exhibited by parents during early adolescence. For instance, enforcing strict rules and curfews, micromanaging academic choices and intervening in conflict resolution were found to have a pronounced effect on limiting teenagers' independence and decision-making skills. Strikingly, these behaviors during early adolescence predicted a greater likelihood of parental dependence in emerging adulthood.

The lack of autonomy under snowplow parenting hinders the development of a strong sense of self. Children raised in this environment may struggle to form their identities and make independent decisions as they enter adolescence and adulthood. Conditioned to rely on external guidance, they may grapple with self-doubt and challenges in asserting their individuality. This deficit in autonomy not only affects their ability to navigate life's complexities but also diminishes confidence in their abilities, potentially impacting their mental health throughout their lives.

2. Learned Helplessness

The consistent intervention and obstacle-clearing actions of parents following this parenting style send a powerful message to the child—that challenges and obstacles are insurmountable without external aid. This belief, internalized during formative years, can persist into adulthood, impacting the individual's confidence, motivation and overall mental well-being.

One study highlighted how parental psychological control negatively affects students' sense of control over academic success and contributes to learned helplessness. For example, when parents heavily dictate study habits, select courses and micromanage every aspect of their child's education, it diminishes the student's agency. This fosters the belief that their efforts have minimal impact on academic outcomes, potentially leading to decreased motivation and a sense of resignation in their academic pursuits.

This learned helplessness can manifest in various aspects of their lives, affecting their professional endeavors, interpersonal relationships and personal development. The lack of initiative cultivated during childhood may translate into a reluctance to take risks or pursue goals, hindering the fulfillment of their potential. The absence of early experiences in overcoming adversity can leave them ill-equipped to cope with the inevitable setbacks and hardships that life presents.

3. Difficulty Regulating Emotions

Emotional resilience, a pivotal aspect of mental health, evolves through experiencing and effectively coping with a range of emotions. Snowplow parenting, however, inadvertently impedes this growth by shielding children from life's fluctuations. Individuals raised in such environments may encounter challenges in regulating their emotions in adulthood, struggling to navigate the complexities of their feelings and interpersonal relationships.

Building upon these observations, a comprehensive review of research highlights a significant correlation between observed parental control during parent-child interactions and the prevalence of shyness and child anxiety disorders.

Moreover, when parents, fueled by anxiety, consistently remove obstacles and proactively address potential difficulties, they inadvertently transmit a heightened sense of apprehension to their children. This transmitted anxiety can significantly shape the child's worldview, impacting their confidence in confronting challenging situations. 

Conclusion

While the intentions of snowplow parents come from a good place, the long-term impact on mental health cannot be overlooked. Lack of autonomy, learned helplessness and difficulty regulating emotions are just a few of the potential consequences. It is essential for parents to strike a balance between providing support and allowing their children the space to learn, grow and face life's challenges on their own.

A similar version of this article can also be found on Forbes.com, here.