What is Wrong with an Overly Obedient Child

Complete obedience can cause problems with children especially in regards to their individual development. Here are some of the problems that often arise.

Lack of Initiative

Overly obedient children often fail to initiate on their own. They are accustomed to following the directives of adults to the point that they do not feel comfortable starting projects on their own. This inability to initiate can lead to difficulties in school and on the job in later life.

Difficulty Making Decisions

When a child follows every command of his parents, he is likely to become very dependent on them to make decisions for him. He is fearful of upsetting or angering the adults in his life by choosing an option of which they might not approve. This translates into an indecisive nature that shows itself when the child must make choices for himself.

Self Sufficiency Issues

When a child is extremely obedient he does not have to think for himself. He counts on his parents and teachers to tell him exactly what to do. At some point, this obedient behavior can cause the individual to have difficulties in self sufficiency. She might fail to develop essential skills necessary to navigate the world and, therefore, become overly dependent on others.

Social Problems

Peers often find it difficult to relate to children who consistently obey adults without question. Most juveniles disobey their caretakers on occasion as they explore their own sense of freedom and independence. When they encounter other children who do not test limits, they are likely see this behavior as an aberration and react negatively.

Underdeveloped Leadership Skills

Leaders think and act "outside of the box." Others are attracted to this quality and are apt to follow those individuals who express it. Children who always obey are unlikely to develop into leaders for they are resistant to think and act in dynamic ways that often go against the established regimens. They do not often take the opportunity to lead themselves as they are consistently followers to adults.

Creativity Suppression

A Creative person is one who attempts new things, who turns what is average and ordinary around to a different advantage. Overly obedient children have their creativity naturally suppressed. They are encouraged to toe a particular line and not deviate from that path. These children are discouraged from thinking, acting and expressing themselves in ways that are not prescribed by their parents.