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Parenting in 2019: The push to let kids fail

As styles of parenting change, some experts say parents should find a balance between love and discipline to set their child up for successful futures.

You've probably heard of these scenarios: parents doing their homework for their children, or getting kicked out of a sporting event for yelling at a coach for not giving their child enough playing time. We continue to hear about the so-called "lawn-mower" or overbearing parents.

Parenting styles have changed over the past 50 years or so.

"You can look back decades, and really we've gone from an era of obedience, of authority and discipline to one which in the 70s and 80s started talking more about self esteem, a concept that was really foreign to parents before that," said Dr. John Tauer, a psychology Professor at the University of St. Thomas, also the Head Coach of the men's basketball team and author of "Why Less is More for WOSPs (Well-Intentioned, Overinvolved Sports Parents)."

"It almost seems as if the goal is to protect kids from any pain, which is dangerous because kids are going to have pain," he added.

An article from Huffpost also points to 'lawn-mower' parents and experts' opinions on letting kids fail at times.

"Most people who have great degrees of success and happiness in life, they have found ways through tough things. And if we don't let our kids experience those tough things at a young age, it's only going to get harder for them to process that," said Dr. Tauer.

He suggests finding a balance between love and discipline. As a father himself, he knows it's easier said than done sometimes. Setting expectations and letting your child know about consequences is also key, he adds.

"Having some distance and letting your kid know 'I love you, I love spending time with you, however, I am your dad I am your mom and these are the rules and if you break the rules there are going to be consequences," said Tauer.

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