Originally Posted by Leigh:
I honestly think that MOST of these situations are just parents who don't know better. They've never done it before, so they do what they THINK needs to be done. A gentle prod can help-tell parents about the kid's achievements at daycare-let them know that the kid is capable of more.
I totally agree - that and society's attitude that "good parents" are the ones who does everything for their children, never let them get hurt, never make them wait or let them be frustrated, etc.
I'd get a copy of
Love & Logic Magic for Early Childhood and share it with them. Love & Logic is all about helping children grow into independent people who can do things for themselves.
Also, general child development charts or articles about what typical 2 yr olds should be able to do may help DCM see that her child in a new light.