Ironcowboyjamess argues that confidence comes from struggle, not protection. Parents should let kids fail within clear boundaries, model resilience, and pursue their own dreams rather than living through their children's.
Chapters
What else do you do with your kids to raise that path of most resistance mentality? Yeah, I think one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids is confidence. And in order for them to gain confidence as a parent, you have to allow them to struggle and fail. And that's really hard to do because we love our kids and you're going to experience this unconditional love and you're going to want to run to their rescue. And it's one, you got to be the example, but 2, you have to allow them to struggle. And that's again, Not giving them the path of least resistance all the time. Set parameters, set natural consequences. The biggest thing though is build up their confidence. Allow them to be who they are, and your job is to set the foundational principles for them. And don't live your dreams and passions through them. Find what their dreams and passions are and then help them to cultivate that.