Stop Snowplow Parenting — Build Resilient, Confident Kids (Episode 175)

2025-09-01

Are you clearing every obstacle out of your child’s way? In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack snow plow parenting—why it happens, how it holds kids back, and what to do instead. Snowplow parenting is when parents try to remove every challenge or discomfort from their child’s path. While it often comes from love and fear, this approach can unintentionally rob kids of the resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive. Kyle and Sara share why parents fall into this trap, the long-term costs to chil...

Are you clearing every obstacle out of your child’s way? In this episode, Kyle and Sara Wester unpack snow plow parenting—why it happens, how it holds kids back, and what to do instead.

Snowplow parenting is when parents try to remove every challenge or discomfort from their child’s path. While it often comes from love and fear, this approach can unintentionally rob kids of the resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive.

Kyle and Sara share why parents fall into this trap, the long-term costs to children, and how to shift toward a healthier approach. You’ll learn practical strategies for recognizing when you’re “snowplowing,” scaffolding instead of rescuing, and coaching kids through life’s challenges while still offering the support they need.

Key Takeaways:

Snowplow parenting means clearing obstacles to prevent failure or discomfort.
While motivated by love, it can lead to anxiety and low confidence in kids.
Children miss opportunities to build resilience and emotional intelligence when parents over-intervene.
Recognizing when you’re snow plowing is the first step to change.
Coaching and scaffolding help children learn to solve problems at their own pace.
Allowing small struggles is essential for long-term growth.
Validating feelings—without rushing to fix—is a powerful parenting tool.
Trusting children to handle challenges builds their confidence and independence.

View the full podcast transcript at:

https://www.artofraisinghumans.com/stop-snow-plow-parenting-build-resilient-confident-kids.

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