Overprotectiveness has no positive effects. If the child comes out of it unscathed, he is just resilient. Here are the ways on how overprotectiveness can negatively influence children:
* The child gets too individuated and becomes too bonded or too dependent on the mother which can lead to development of a weak character. He can acquire all of his mom's fears and become fearful and anxious most of the time.
* The child may turn away from having friends and may not become close to his future spouse.
* The child may either over idealize the mom or start to rebel towards the adolescence or preteen years. There may also be disturbance in the mother-child relationship as well as in the lives of other people around them.
* There would be negative effects on the husband/dad, too, such that he can be taken out of the picture; he may not have a say in the child's upbringing; he can distance himself from and in the home; or the situation can create conflict if the husband is assertive and the wife does not listen.
You can do something to help yourself from this problem by following these suggestions:
* Be aware of the signs of overprotectiveness and catch yourself whenever you are doing it. Remind yourself that overprotectiveness does not help. Instead, identify alternative behaviors you can do. You can also ask your husband and other people in your house to call your attention whenever you are being overprotective.
* Read books on parenting and learn from other moms' experiences especially those people you admire.
* Be personally fulfilled. Practice self care, take up a hobby and go out of the house to engage in personal growth.
* Give your husband and your child enough space by letting them spend time to bond by themselves too.
* Work on yourself and your marriage. Be open to your spouse and consider going to counseling.