The Parenting Mistake Creating Anxious Kids (Psychotherapist Explains)

Are you helping your kids… or accidentally holding them back?

Psychotherapist, parent coach, and author Nicole Runyon breaks down one of the biggest parenting mistakes today — over-helping our kids to avoid discomfort.

We dive into why so many children today struggle with confidence, anxiety, and independence… and how it often starts at home.

Nicole shares practical strategies to help parents raise resilient, self-sufficient kids — without damaging connection or trust.

If you’ve ever stepped in to “make things easier” for your child, this conversation might completely change how you parent.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
-Why over-parenting creates anxious, dependent kids
-The real reason kids lack confidence today
-How to let your kids struggle (in a healthy way)
-Age-appropriate independence for toddlers, kids, and teens
-How your own fear and past experiences affect your parenting
-Practical ways to build resilience and self-trust in your child

Learn More About Keesha: https://keeshascott.com/
Follow Nicole: https://www.instagram.com/igenerationmentalhealth/

00:00 Introduction to Nicole Runyon
03:57 Why Parenting Discomfort Is the Real Challenge
06:07 Is Technology Really the Problem?
06:37 The Premise of Free to Fly
08:34 Are We Robbing Kids of Growth?
09:14 Doing Too Much for Your Kids
11:22 How Overhelping Hurts Confidence
13:03 Parenting Against Independence
18:24 Why Parents Resist Letting Go
19:07 Parenting From Fear, Trauma, and Guilt
21:06 The Most Common Ways Parents Overhelp
25:24 What to Do When Kids Won’t Step Up
28:24 The “Super Mom” Identity Trap
29:29 What Parents Should Stop Doing for Teens
31:30 What Parents Should Stop Doing at Every Age
35:09 When Kids Should Wake Themselves Up
35:42 Nicole Runyon on Phones, Tech, and Video Games
39:01 Handling Phones and Peer Pressure
41:36 How to Get Back on Track as a Parent
43:29 Why Letting Kids Struggle Matters
44:33 Where to Find Nicole Runyon