As someone who has faced anxiety throughout my life, my wife and I were apprehensive about the possibility of passing this trait on to our children. It may seem ironic that a person with anxiety would worry about transmitting their anxiety to their offspring, but that’s the nature of anxiety—it often feeds on itself and can complicate parenting. With three children—ages 10, 8, and 3—I tend to be quite observant, constantly monitoring their behavior for any signs of anxiety. This concern is common among parents, especially those with anxiety or depression, as we all strive to keep our children safe.
However, a recent study conducted by researchers at Macquarie University in Australia, in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam and the University of Reading, suggests that overly cautious parenting could contribute to future anxiety in children. The study surveyed 312 families with preschool-aged children and found that parents who engaged in “Challenging Parent Behavior” (CPB)—which includes encouraging safe risk-taking through activities like playful roughhousing—had children with lower anxiety levels.
As a father of two girls and a boy, I reflect on how I might be treating my daughters differently from my son. While my son enjoys wrestling and rough play, my daughters lean more towards imaginative play, often involving princesses and magical scenarios. This difference in play style has led me to approach their play more gently, but I now wonder how this may impact their mental health in the long run.
A follow-up study from the University of Newcastle revealed that daughters actually enjoy rough play just as much as sons. Professor Lisa Martin, a co-author of this study, noted that many fathers, myself included, had unconsciously been treating their daughters as if they only wanted to engage in traditional feminine play. This realization caused me to reconsider my assumptions. While I love playing princesses with my daughters, it’s clear that incorporating rough-and-tumble play could be beneficial for their future mental well-being.
Though this second study primarily focused on fathers and daughters, it’s essential to recognize that mothers can also participate in rough play with their children. In fact, I’ve witnessed my wife expertly engaging in playful wrestling with our son, proving that this responsibility doesn’t rest solely on the father’s shoulders.
Moving forward, when I’m engaging in roughhousing with my son and my daughters appear dressed in princess outfits, I plan to invite them to join. I might even get my wife involved, framing the play as a quest to defeat a dragon (my son). I don’t wish to diminish their love for princess-themed play; instead, I aim to find a way to blend their interests with activities that promote resilience and confidence.
In conclusion, while it’s vital to nurture our children’s interests, balancing this with opportunities for challenging play seems crucial. Integrating rough-and-tumble activities with imaginative play could foster a healthier emotional landscape for my daughters as they grow.
For further insights on parenting and mental health, consider exploring resources like this article or this guide on home insemination strategies. Additionally, the March of Dimes provides excellent information on fertility treatments and family planning.
Summary:
Treating daughters as delicate princesses may inadvertently contribute to their future anxiety. Encouraging challenging play, such as roughhousing, can foster resilience and mental well-being. Balancing imaginative play with physical activities is essential for healthy emotional development.