“The goal of parenting isn’t to pave a perfect path for your child—it’s to equip them with the confidence and resilience to walk that path on their own, even when it gets tough.”
— Bryan Wetzel
In today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven society, parenting has taken a dramatic turn—from allowing children to stumble and learn, to shielding them from every bump in the road. The terms “helicopter,” “lawnmower,” and “snowplow” parenting have become buzzwords, but few understand the long-term consequences of these well-meaning yet often damaging styles. Bryan Wetzel, author of The Real Problems Destroying Education, has witnessed these trends up close—from running a business and coaching youth sports to raising his own children alongside a wife who teaches in public schools. In this candid and compelling interview, Bryan breaks down how modern parenting methods are affecting children’s independence, confidence, and ability to succeed in school and life.
Through real-life stories and eye-opening research, Bryan sheds light on how parental overinvolvement is reshaping the educational system, contributing to the rise in childhood anxiety and depression, and even impacting kids’ futures in the workforce. But this conversation isn’t just a critique—it’s also a guide. Bryan offers practical wisdom for raising capable, self-reliant children in a culture obsessed with perfection and protection. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or concerned community member, his insights will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to rethink what it truly means to prepare children for the real world.
Thank you so much for joining us, Bryan! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Absolutely. I’ve had a wide range of experiences—everything from owning a restaurant to coaching youth baseball, and now writing and podcasting about education and parenting. My career has always revolved around young people in one way or another. Over time, I began to notice troubling patterns in both the workforce and the classroom. Kids seemed less confident, less resilient, and more dependent. That led me to start researching, speaking, and eventually writing my book The Real Problems Destroying Education, where I dive into how modern parenting styles, educational gaps, and societal pressures are shaping today’s youth—for better or worse.
What inspired you to write The Real Problems Destroying Education?
The inspiration came from real-life experiences. I saw how overparenting and systemic issues were contributing to a lack of basic life skills among kids. As a business owner, I witnessed employees unable to make decisions or show initiative. As a coach, I saw parents interfere constantly with their kids’ development. And at home, with my wife being a teacher, I heard firsthand stories of parents emailing and calling over grades and classroom discipline. It became clear to me that these weren’t isolated incidents—this was a national issue. I felt compelled to connect the dots and offer solutions through my book.
You talk a lot about helicopter, lawnmower, and snowplow parenting. Can you define each one for our readers?
Of course. Helicopter parenting is when parents constantly hover over their children, ready to swoop in and fix problems the moment they arise. The term came from a child who described her mom as always “hovering” nearby. Then we evolved into lawnmower parenting—where parents go ahead of their children and mow down any obstacles in their path to prevent discomfort. In colder areas, the same idea is referred to as snowplow parenting. Instead of reacting to issues, these parents are proactively removing every challenge. While the intention may be to protect, the outcome is that kids don’t learn how to solve problems or deal with adversity.
Why do you think these parenting styles have become more common?
I think parents have become more focused on short-term success rather than long-term development. They want their children to avoid pain, embarrassment, or failure, which is understandable. But they forget that these struggles are exactly what prepare kids for adulthood. Also, many parents don’t even realize they’re doing it. Studies show that when asked about these behaviors, most parents deny being helicopter or lawnmower parents—yet their children’s experiences say otherwise. It’s a slippery slope where small “helps” over time become a habit that robs kids of independence.
What are some of the long-term consequences of overparenting?
The consequences are pretty alarming. Kids raised under these styles tend to struggle with decision-making, experience higher levels of anxiety, have lower self-esteem, and often lack leadership skills. They haven’t been allowed to make mistakes and learn from them, so when they face real challenges—like in college or the workplace—they’re overwhelmed. Some even end up needing medication to cope. Overparenting delays emotional and cognitive development and diminishes a young adult’s ability to navigate life successfully on their own.
Can you share a real-life example of overparenting from your own experience?
Sure. When I ran my restaurant, I had several situations where a parent called me on behalf of their adult child who had been fired. I even had a case where someone was caught stealing, and the parent still asked if I would rehire them. That blew my mind. In my day, if I had asked my mom to call my boss, she would’ve laughed me right out of the room. And it doesn’t stop there. A friend who works in advertising told me some parents are even writing their kids’ resumes—and a few have shown up to job interviews with their adult children. That kind of behavior sends a strong message: “My kid can’t handle life on their own.”
You mentioned coaching baseball. How does overparenting show up in youth sports?
Oh, it shows up everywhere. Parents meddle in team decisions, demand playing time, and try to control coaching—even when the coach is a professional athlete. One mom once interrupted practice to stop a pro-level catcher from helping her son improve because she had paid for a private coach. Another parent insisted their kid had to bat first in the lineup as if that was the magic solution to poor performance. And often, these are the parents who never played past middle school themselves. Ironically, the most hands-off and supportive parents I’ve had were former pro athletes. They understood the value of letting kids figure things out.
How does this translate into the workforce?
Overparented kids often show up in the workplace unable to operate independently. They need constant instructions and reassurance. I had an employee named Patrick who was great—if you stood next to him. But left alone, he’d stop working and just sit on his phone. He once told me he didn’t know if I wanted everything on the to-do list done, so he only swept. That kind of behavior shows a lack of initiative, something employers can’t afford to deal with. They need self-starters, not employees waiting for permission to act.
How do you recommend parents strike a healthy balance?
It’s about involvement, not control. Know what’s going on in your child’s life, but don’t remove every bump in the road. Let them fall and figure things out—with your guidance, not your interference. When they make a bad decision, sit down and talk through it. Ask, “What could you have done differently?” That’s how learning happens. Confidence builds when a child sees they can face problems and come out stronger. That’s true growth.
Let’s talk about education. How are these parenting styles affecting schools?
They’re making teachers’ jobs harder. I’ve heard stories of parents asking professors to change grades or exempt their kids from projects. One professor even had a parent walk into his college classroom to argue for a retake. That’s college! At the elementary level, teachers can often tell when homework is done by parents—it’s just too perfect. These actions undercut the child’s learning and disrespect the educators trying to do their job.
Are you seeing these trends impact college admissions?
Yes, and it’s getting bizarre. There are actual services now where parents can hire people in another state to “check in” on their college student—making sure they have groceries, clean clothes, and are doing their homework. It’s another form of helicoptering, just outsourced. What message does that send to the child? That they’re incapable? That mom and dad will always handle things? That’s not setting them up for independence.
What role does social media play in all this?
Social media creates a false sense of competition. Parents see others posting about their kids getting straight A’s, excelling in sports, and getting into elite colleges. They feel the pressure to keep up, so they start micromanaging their kids’ lives to produce “success stories.” It becomes less about the child’s well-being and more about parental pride and presentation.
You mentioned sports injuries. How does this fit into the conversation?
Pushing kids too hard in sports is a huge issue. I played competitively into my 40s and paid the price—two hip replacements, elbow and shoulder surgeries. Today, kids are specializing too early, overtraining, and suffering injuries that used to be rare in high school. I’ve known young athletes getting Tommy John surgery before they even graduate. Parents need to understand that pushing harder doesn’t always equal better. Sometimes, it just breaks them down physically and emotionally.
What’s your take on the rise of prescription medications for kids?
It’s deeply concerning. We’re seeing more kids on medications for anxiety and depression than ever before. And sometimes doctors are just guessing—flipping open a chart and letting kids pick a new pill. I had one parent tell me their child was asked to choose a medication after two others didn’t work. That’s not science, that’s trial-and-error with someone’s mental health. I’m not anti-medication, but I believe we should first ask what’s causing the anxiety—Is it the pressure from school? Is it diet? Is it lack of coping skills?
Have you seen success with alternative therapies?
Yes, I’ve seen parents use CBD with success, and others who simply changed their child’s diet—cutting sugar and processed foods—with remarkable results. I personally follow a clean eating lifestyle with my family, and it’s improved everything from energy levels to joint pain. We need more research on natural and nutritional therapies, but we also need to shift our mindset. We should try behavioral and lifestyle changes before resorting to pharmaceuticals.
How important is nutrition in all of this?
Nutrition is massive. The U.S. has one of the most toxic food supplies in the world. Kids are eating high-sugar, highly processed lunches at school and then expected to sit down and focus in class. That’s a recipe for chaos. I’d love to see schools align their cafeteria offerings with what they teach in health class. You can’t tell kids to eat better and then serve them pizza and fries every day.
What are a few things you’d like parents to take away from this conversation?
Stay engaged, but don’t do everything for your child. Let them fail. Let them feel disappointment. Then help them work through it. That’s how they grow into adults who can navigate life. Don’t focus so much on short-term wins—like a perfect grade or sports success—that you miss the long-term goal: raising a capable, confident, self-sufficient person. Also, don’t be afraid to say no. Structure and boundaries are healthy and necessary.
Where can people find your book?
The Real Problems Destroying Education is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and even Spotify for audiobook listeners. You can get it in print, e-book, or audio format. The easiest way to find it is to go to my website, bryanthomaswetzel.com, which links directly to your preferred bookseller.
Do you offer any services to parents?
Right now, I don’t offer formal services, but I do answer questions. Parents email me all the time asking for advice on school issues or parenting concerns. I always reply, and sometimes I even consult my wife, who’s a teacher, for her perspective. It’s something I enjoy doing because I want to help parents and kids succeed—not just academically, but in life.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
The best place is my website, bryanthomaswetzel.com. From there, you can find the book, listen to my podcast, and even reach out directly if you have questions. I’m also on social media, where I post regular thoughts and updates. Whether it’s through reading, listening, or connecting, I’m always happy to share more of what I’ve learned to help others navigate parenting and education with purpose.
Thank you so much, Bryan, for sharing your insight, experience, and heartfelt stories with us today. Your perspective is not only enlightening but deeply necessary in today’s parenting landscape. I know our readers will walk away with a lot to think about—and hopefully some powerful tools to better support their children in becoming confident, capable individuals. It’s been an absolute pleasure having you on.
Thank you, Stacey. I really appreciate the opportunity to have this conversation. These are topics I care deeply about, and if even one parent rethinks their approach and helps their child grow stronger because of it, then it’s all worth it. Thanks again for having me.
