Bungee cord parenting - finally a balance between hovering like a helicopter or refusing to rescue.

I get the need for my kid to be independent but in an attempt to avoid being a helicopter parent some of us end up pushing our children off a cliff.

Obviously we do not set out to be harsh. In fact, I am certain we think we are doing them a great service. We somehow think that we are teaching them how to be tough so that they can handle this cruel, cold, harsh world.

Some of us, that cannot offer all of life's luxuries, even use this as our comfort line. We know we cannot spoil them so we justify it by saying that they'd be better off in the long run.

Well I'm sorry to say, I think our generation has enough cold, harsh, cruel people and in our attempt to prepare them for such a world, we are creating more of the same.

We've gone past teaching independence to now crushing them. Our children are growing up so strong, capable of taking on the world. Depending on no one. Trusting no one. Self reliant and all that good stuff.

No wonder we're either opting to stay single or getting divorced.

No wonder our suicide rates are higher than ever. God forbid I need someone to depend on? God forbid I am not able to handle every shitty situation life throws at me full of grace and without anyone's help.

Then there's the other side. The helicopter parent. The parent that is unintentionally raising a self-centered, entitled child.

Once again, we do not set out to create spoiled brats. We think we are being there for them. We think we are showing them unconditional love. Allowing them to have a childhood, free from stress because we know that their adult life will be full of it anyways, so why not make their childhood as magical as possible?

When did we become so stupid?

Okay, that's a bit harsh. Let me apologize by offering a middle ground.

Have you ever bungee jumped?

I have not, because I am too coward to try.

Bungee jumping is not for the faint at heart. In fact, many top level entrepreneurs do such acts in an attempt to push their comfort levels higher, and higher. The safety harness attached to the human being does not stop the rush of emotions. The safety harness does not take away from the experience. It does, however, keep us safe.

I'd like to propose that we all aim to be bungee cord parents - feel free to push them off the cliff but do it after they know they are well strapped in.

Create a safe space where our children can experience life. Prepare them. Be real with them, but let them know that if they need you, you will be there for them.

Give them the confidence to jump, over and over and over because, no matter what you will be their bungee cord.

Learning life's lessons does not have to be deadly. Allow them to throw up... not crash and burn.

Isn't it time we intentionally raise some gentle kids who are sensitive and in touch with their emotions? A generation that understands their emotions. A generation that can come to terms with what they are feeling and re-act to those emotions appropriately.

Looking forward to seeing lots of kids running around enjoying their childhood, independently strapped to a safety harness.