The Hidden Price of Overprotection Recent advice columns on Slate's Care and Feeding section highlight the complexities of parenting in modern times.
Two letters, one from "Tone It Down" regarding her 6 year old son's rage meltdowns, and another from "Dad of the Bubble Girl" about his daughter's pediatric sleep apnea, demonstrate two distinct yet intertwined issues: overprotection and the normalization of anxiety.
The first letter describes a child who becomes overwhelmed by his surroundings upon waking. His parents have tried to mitigate this behavior with snacks and gentle morning routines, but it remains a persistent problem.