Over Parenting the Root of Failure in Children
Is over-parenting a bad thing? In William Shakespeare’s tragic play, Hamlet, Polonius is a prime example of how over-parenting can cause turmoil and ruin in the lives of themselves and their children. ... Children are born and raised to listen to their parents, and always assume that what they are told is correct, but in the case of Polonius’ children, there was a definite abuse of parenting. Polonius is highly regarded in the kingdom, being the assistant to the King, Claudius, but he cherishes his role in the kingdom more than he values his children. ... Polonius portrays a shrewd man who attempts to impress people with his so-called “good” parenting. ... Polonius has very few thoughts of the consequences that can and do hurt his children as he uses them to do his own bidding. ... The over-parenting of Ophelia is shown when Polonius tells the King and Queen that Ophelia is his and it is her duty and obedience to listen to her father. ... The sad thing is that Polonius isn’t babying Ophelia for her best interests; he is doing it for his own sake, to look good in front of the King and Queen, and the results of his terrible “parenting” are shown in his children Laertes and Ophelia. ... Over-parenting is the direct cause of the downfall of Polonius and his family. The effects of Polonius manipulating his children and abusing the trust of parent-hood are unforgettable, and if it were not for the antics that Polonius had employed, he and his children may have lived full lives that were untainted.