Overprotective Education Can Weaken Children

“I want to prevent failure as much as possible.”

“I don’t want my child to be hurt.”

“I hope they can grow up without facing unpleasant experiences.”

These are feelings every parent can relate to.

However, when such protective instincts become excessive,

children who are constantly shielded may, in fact, become more vulnerable.

Kindness, When Excessive, Can Deprive Children of Experience

When someone always anticipates their needs,

when danger is kept at a distance,

when discomfort is avoided entirely—

children may grow up in calm, safe environments.

But in such spaces, there are few chances for conflict, struggle, or trial and error.

As a result, children have fewer opportunities to confront their own emotions.

Facing Hardship Builds Resilience and Flexibility

What children will inevitably face as they enter society are

misunderstandings, setbacks, and the limits of their own abilities.

It is by engaging with these challenges—

and gradually discovering how to respond in their own way—

that they develop true adaptability and inner strength.

This is why we believe children need room to experience failure and discomfort during their formative years.

Education Should Cultivate the Strength to Face Reality, Not Just Teach “What’s Right”

At Liberal Studies College, we use English as a medium to help children reflect on society and on themselves.

• How do they feel when someone disagrees with them?
  
• What do they do when their thoughts feel unclear?
  
• What lessons can they take away from a mistake?
  

Children don’t need to have all the answers right away.

But we want them to feel—not to become so protected that they feel nothing at all.

Protecting vs. Trusting: A Subtle but Crucial Difference

Let us reflect on the distinction between “protecting” and “trusting with watchful care.”

Allowing children to wrestle with uncertainty,

to question, to fail, to confront challenge—

we believe this is what cultivates the inner strength to thrive in a complex world.

At Liberal Studies College, we aim to provide the soil where such strength can take root and grow.