Eggshell Parenting: How To Stop Being An Eggshell Parent

To begin with, eggshells in any form, be it relationships, friendships, or parenting even parenting is a big no! We all need to have secure, safe, and positive relationships with people and when they turn out to be challenging, they do not look healthy in any way.

Eggshell parenting is quite the same situation wherein you as a parent feel like walking on eggshells because you might be afraid that any wrong comment or move might trigger burnout in them. 

If that’s the situation you’re dealing with right now, know that you are practicing eggshell parenting. In this blog, we will explore eggshell parenting, examples of eggshell parenting, the long-term effects of eggshell parenting, and how to stop being an eggshell parent. So, let’s get started! 

What is Eggshell Parenting?

Eggshell parenting can be identified by being overly sensitive or cautious toward a child’s emotions which often results in a place wherein the parent’s mood might feel like a time bomb. This type of parenting not only results in an unknown fear but also promotes unsafe parenting behaviors, a lack of boundaries, and a lack of self-worth. 

Eggshell parenting is also referred to as “walking on eggshells type of parenting” which can be characterized by emotional instability and unpredictability.

Parents who have activated eggshell parenting styles often have excessive mood swings, uncertainty, and unpredictable behaviors, or actions.  Such behaviors or uncertainty can cause hypervigilance in the child as they are always unsure how you are going to react. 

Research shows that eggshell parenting is rooted in a parent’s experience during childhood or the parenting style of their parents. The long-term effects of eggshell parenting can be carried forward to adulthood as well which might have consequences such as relationship stress, difficulty forming positive or healthy relationships, or depression. 

The only alternative to eggshell parenting is to transform your parenting style to a positive one so that you can foster the healthy development of your children in every way possible. 

Long-Term Effects of Eggshell Parenting 

Psychologists stated that eggshell parenting can have long-term detrimental effects on the overall well-being of the child. The constant eggshell assumption can put them on the verge of dealing with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming attachments with other people. 

Research also shows that children raised through eggshell parenting often struggle with regulating their emotions or excessive sensitivity towards criticism or conflicts.

Such children are hesitant, lonely, and overly cautious in their adulthood and they often struggle with their thoughts, reactions, and emotions. The cycle of eggshell parenting gets perpetuated from one generation to the other.

Children raised through eggshell parenting unknowingly adopt parenting styles that show unpredictability and emotional instability. Below listed are some of the possible long-term effects of eggshell parenting: 

• Emotional instability 
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression

How to Stop Being an Eggshell Parent?

If you think you’re slowly converting to eggshell parents or were raised by eggshell parents, here’s what you need to break the cycle and transform your parenting style. 

1. Start reflecting 

The first step towards converting yourself towards a positive parenting style is to practice self-reflection. Begin by exploring your own experiences, parenting styles, or upbringings so that you can evaluate what’s right or what’s wrong for your own children.

Additionally, think about the experiences that might have shaped your personality in childhood so that you don’t end up impacting the emotional stability of your children. 

2. Acknowledge your behaviors 

If your child is on the verge of walking on eggshells, prepare yourself mentally and adopt a healthy nurturing approach. Acknowledge your behaviors and reflect on your experiences so that you can provide a healthy environment for your child.

Communicate with them openly so that they can feel safe and express their feelings without fear of being judged or emotionally unstable. 

3. Practice emotional awareness 

Practicing emotional awareness is important in each relationship of life because it helps you understand and manage your emotions. It also influences how you want to bring your child and how you want to respond to your child’s emotions or needs. Therefore, be aware of your emotions and evaluate the results as well. 

Understand those reactions or emotions that might trigger negative emotions in your child. For example, if you easily become pissed off at your child, try to be aware of your tendencies and prepare a constructive response for such reactions.

This will help your child be raised in a rational and calm manner. Additionally, it will also create a sense of healthy relationships which will help in nurturing the overall growth and development of your child. 

4. Be open to communicating your feelings 

In order to create a healthy and positive environment for your child, encourage everyone to express their feelings so that the children can also express their feelings without fear of being judged or punished.

Practicing such positive habits also builds trust in your relationships. Additionally, whenever your child expresses feelings try to be attentive, closely listen to their needs, and be non-judgmental so that your children can openly express their experiences and thoughts. 

The three-thumb rule for active communication is active listening, maintaining eye contact, and providing undivided attention. Also, try to make the conversation open-ended, this will automatically influence empathy and active listening.

You can make this happen by eating together regularly, discussing your problems or achievements as a family, or involving your children in decision-making so that they can also feel respected and valued. 

5. Embrace positivity and healthy changes

Eggshell parenting and authoritarian parenting styles are the old-style methods of parenting. In this era, parenting is all about respect, love, self-care, and empathy. Parents these days don’t control, judge, or punish their children. Instead, they embrace positivity and bring healthy changes that help in developing health and strength between parents and children.

Additionally, such adaptations teach valuable life skills to children. Positive strategies such as empathetic listening, focusing on self-care, and establishing trust help in shaping the overall well-being of the children.

Moreover, it also helps in enhancing supportive and loving connections so that both parents and children empower each other and learn problem-solving skills. Such a parenting method comes under a constructive and holistic approach which benefits both parents and children in the long run.

6. Learn more about positive parenting styles

Do you know that there are several positive parenting techniques available on the Calm Sage page? Well, you can simply click on the parenting section wherein we have covered a wide section around parenting, hacks, teenagers, counseling, and more.

In addition, you can also learn about different parenting techniques through the internet or videos wherein you will find other parents sharing their experiences as well. To learn about more positive parenting techniques, scroll down to the takeaway section. 

7. Spend quality time with your children and partner

One of the most effective ways to destroy the cycle of eggshell parenting is to start spending quality time with your family and children. Follow strict routines and refer one dedicated time to family moments so that you can learn about your children’s emotions, needs, interests, and behaviors.

 Prioritize such quality interactions, actively engage with your family, listen to their thoughts, and practice team problem-solving skills so that you all can enjoy spending quality time with each other and everyone can think of their opportunities.

In the meantime, you can play games, go for a walk, cook together, or just sit. This practice will help in developing a genuine and strong connection. Additionally, every member of the family will feel valued and respected. 

8. Practice self-compassion and set healthy expectations

The journey of parenting can be really challenging especially when deep down your own upbringing styles haunt you. During such tough times, you can take the help of self-compassion and overcome the times when you feel inadequate, guilty, and negative.

Whatever the mistakes you might have made in the past, let them go, learn from them, and grow together. Practicing self-compassion will help enhance kindness, acceptance, and understanding within you which help in raising your child appropriately. 

Additionally, never set expectations for your children which are based on your experiences. This can lead to the negative well-being of both (parents and children).

Instead work together on your weaknesses, strengths, growth, and development which will help you grow as a family together. Set realistic goals which will enhance the abilities of your child, and make them feel supported and capable. 

9. Build a strict and healthy routine 

Strict and healthy routines help in structuring the positive well-being and future of your child. A consistent routine also helps in keeping track of regular emotions and moods which supports safety and harmony within the family.

One important key point of this strategy is to make rules and routines for everyone so that everyone in the family can develop a sense of responsibility, time management, problem-solving skills, love, care, and support for everyone.

Be strict with the routine and follow through with the consequences (only when required). It helps in building healthy boundaries and encourages the children to adopt positive behaviors such as empathy, kindness, sharing, love, and respect for everyone. 

10. Seek professional help 

In order to protect your child from the cycle of eggshell parenting and adopt healthy and positive parenting styles, you can take the help of a professional to help your child be raised in a healthy and positive environment.

If you think you or your child are struggling with emotional regulation, independence, problem-solving, or other issues, you can connect with a family counselor or child counselor to explore your emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. 

To connect with a mental health professional, click below: 

Transforming Eggshell Parenting with 5 Positive Parenting Styles

Here are the top 5 positive parenting styles that will help you break the cycle of eggshell parenting and adopt healthy and positive coping mechanisms along with the healthy parenting of your children: 

1. Dolphin Parenting
2. Jellyfish parenting 
3. Peaceful parenting 
4. Mindful parenting 
5. Positive Parenting  

I hope this blog helps you understand what eggshell parenting is and how to stop being an eggshell parent. Comment down and share your queries or you can also write us at Calm Sage.

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Thanks for reading!