Parenthood is, instinctively, an art of protection. We make ourselves a shield to protect our children from all the sharp corners, disappointments, and pains of the world. This is one of the purest, most sincere forms of love. However, just as every coin has two sides, this protective love has an unseen face. So, when does this shield of love turn into a cage that prevents our child from spreading their own wings? Are we truly loving our child without breaking, crushing, and, most importantly, by "seeing" them?

The most common definition of love is sacrifice and protection. But this definition is incomplete. Deep love is an act of understanding and respect that goes beyond protection. It is accepting that our child is not merely an extension of ourselves, a reflection of our dreams, but a separate individual with their own dreams, fears, passions, and a completely unique inner world. Loving them is not forcing them to walk a safe path we have defined, but being a hand to help them up when they fall while exploring their own trails. Crushing them is devaluing their ideas, feelings, and choices by saying, "I know what's best for you." Seeing them, however, is being able to say, "I am curious about what you feel and what you think."

This act of "seeing" is one of the most challenging yet rewarding steps in the parenting journey. It requires you to accept your child's passion for a color you dislike, their brilliance in a field where you have no talent, or their pursuit of a dream that doesn't fully align with your values. It means setting aside our own ego, our own expectations, and witnessing with admiration the potential of the unique being before us. When your child comes to you and explains why their favorite toy is a piece of rock, you have "seen" them when you listen not with logic, but with the excitement in their eyes. We would love to hear about the challenges or moments of enlightenment you've encountered on this journey. You can share your thoughts with us via our email address: cguhasiptekin@gmail.com

Let us not forget that children raised with an overprotective love can remain vulnerable in the face of life's inevitable challenges. They can grow into adults who cannot make their own decisions, are afraid to take risks, and cannot hear their own inner voice. True strength lies not in building a glass dome for them, but in teaching them how strong their own wings are. Your love should not be a wall around them, but a safe harbor where they can take refuge, gather strength, and fly again when needed. The greatest gift is to be able to give them the message, "I love you in every way, with all your potential, and on whichever path you choose."

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A Note to Parents: Every time you respect your child's individuality, you are in fact leaving them the most valuable inheritance in the world: self-confidence and self-esteem.