Every parent wrestles with the same question: Am I doing too much — or not enough — for my child? It’s a tricky balance. We want to protect them from pain, but we also want them to grow confident, capable, and resilient. The answer lies in empowering your child through parenting, not enabling them.
In one of our recent Fireside Chats, parenting expert and neurodiversity specialist Kirby Michaelides, AMHSW shared a powerful reminder: “Empowering is equipping, not rescuing.” That means giving our kids the tools, space, and support to solve problems on their own — while staying close enough to catch them if they fall.
What Empowering Your Child in Parenting Really Looks Like
Kirby recalled the moment she first mastered riding a bike as a child. At first, there were wobbles, scraped knees, and a lot of frustration.
But then came that breakthrough — suddenly she was balancing on her own, free and proud. That single milestone wasn’t just about the bike. It was about discovering I can do this.
This is what empowerment feels like. By contrast, enabling often looks like swooping in too quickly — tying their shoes when they could practice, cutting up their food when they’re capable, or stepping in to solve a problem they could navigate. While well-intentioned, these actions quietly tell kids: I don’t think you can handle this.
Why It Matters
Research shows that children who take on responsibilities at home — like chores — are more likely to grow into successful, independent adults. Even small tasks help wire the brain for resilience.
Every time a child solves a problem, their brain releases dopamine, the “I did it!” chemical that fuels motivation.
Of course, letting go isn’t easy. Parent guilt often creeps in. It can feel cruel to watch your child struggle.
But as Kirby reminded us, “We’re getting the child ready for the world, not the world ready for the child.”
Our role isn’t to remove every obstacle — it’s to walk beside them as they learn to climb.
– On Empowered Parenting, Kirby Michaelides
The Heart of Parenting
One of Kirby’s most powerful stories came from her own son. After a rough soccer tackle that left him with a concussion, she fought the urge to step in and fix everything.
Instead, she let him lead. To her surprise, he handled the situation with maturity — asserting himself, receiving an apology, and learning a lasting lesson in resilience.
This was just one the many great real-life examples Kirby shared with us during the Fireside Chat, and you can catch them all on replay along with our many other excellent guests, both in the past and in the months to come – all FREE inside the PPA app. Download the app today!
Empowering your child in parenting doesn’t mean abandoning them — it means trusting them to grow while knowing you’re always there for support. At Parent Pathways Academy, we believe the best gift you can give your child is the confidence to say: I can do this.
💡 For Further Discussion: How do you find ways to step back while still supporting your child’s growth? Comment below!
About the Guest Speaker
Kirby Michaelides is an accredited mental health social worker, parenting expert, and neurodiversity specialist with 15+ years of experience. Based in Australia and a proud mom of two, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. Kirby is the creator of the Growth Oriented Approach, a science-backed, human-centered framework that helps families build resilience, confidence, and lasting connection.
To learn more about Kirby’s work, you can reach her directly at [email protected] and connect with her on LinkedIn for practical guidance on parenting and family wellbeing.