• ‘Chicken Run’ sequel’s lessons for parents

Many people who are now new parents were children themselves when the original Chicken Run film, released in 2000, captured their hearts. They enjoyed the adventures of Ginger and Rocky, as evidenced by the movie’s impressive ratings: 7.1/10 on IMDB and 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Recently, a new Chicken Run movie titled Dawn of the Nugget was released. In this sequel, Ginger and Rocky, who were young chickens in the first film, are now married and navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood, mirroring the experiences of the first film’s original child audience who are now living that reality.

While the new movie remains a beloved children’s classic, it holds hidden gems for adult viewers too. Beyond the charming story of Rocky and Ginger navigating the complexities of grown-up life as parents and Molly, her young adventures, the film subtly offers lessons even seasoned adults can appreciate.

Should Molly know the truth?

Rocky and Ginger learned the taste of freedom. They had fiercely battled and struggled for it, breaking free from a life confined in cages and overshadowed by fear. But with their little chick, Molly, chirping about, their past whispers stayed buried. They shielded her from the memories, from the shadows of chicken-hungry humans lurking just beyond their safe island. They built a paradise, hoping the walls they built would keep Molly safe forever.

Molly, though, blossomed with a wild curiosity. She often wondered about what’s outside their cosy coop. Why limit herself to what she knew? Maybe, just maybe, there was more. Unlike her parents, she hadn’t seen the presence of danger in human eyes or felt the snap of a wire cage. Her innocence painted dreams bigger than their island. 

Ginger and Rocky find themselves entangled in the intricate steps of parenthood. Despite their sincere desire to protect Molly from the stories of their rough history, the film subtly explores the consequences of over-safeguarding, resonating with a universal reality: the impact of excessive protectiveness on a child’s growth.

Overshielding parents

Much like the concerned chicken parents in the movie who construct leafy walls to safeguard Molly from the shadows of the human world, overshielding, in reality, manifests in various forms. Parents may unintentionally limit their children’s independence, micromanage their lives, exaggerate risks, or discourage exploration and failure. There’s a tricky balance between keeping things safe and giving enough freedom. This reflects the challenge that Ginger and Rocky face as they try to create a safe place for their chick. They have to be careful not to be too controlling while still making sure their little one is protected.

Let’s start by figuring out the answer to an important question: how much is too much? Overshielding, or overprotecting, is when parents go to great lengths to protect their children from perceived dangers or difficulties. This can involve limiting their independence, closely controlling their activities and decisions, exaggerating potential risks, and discouraging them from trying new things or facing challenges. While the intention is often to keep children safe and happy, overshielding can have negative consequences on their development and wellbeing.

Potential consequences

The consequences of overshielding are universal, transcending the animated world into our own. Just as Molly’s innocence yearns for the “beyond,” real-life children may find themselves yearning for autonomy stifled by well-meaning but excessive protection.

When parents engage in overshielding, their well-intentioned efforts to keep their children safe can unintentionally bring about some not-so-great outcomes. One major concern is that kids might end up having a tough time in terms of their social and emotional growth. They might find it challenging to build good relationships, handle their feelings well, or develop effective ways to cope with life’s ups and downs.

Another issue is that constantly being shielded might make children feel unsure about themselves. Instead of gaining confidence, they could start feeling inadequate and overly reliant on others for support. Plus, when kids don’t get chances to make their own decisions and learn from the results, their ability to make good choices might not develop as well as it could.

Overshielding can also lead to more anxiety and fear in children. If parents blow up potential dangers out of proportion, it can make kids feel nervous and less sure about how to navigate the world around them. This heightened fear might end up making it harder for children to move through life with a sense of confidence and ease.

In some cases, kids might rebel against the restrictions imposed by overshielding parents. Desiring more independence, they might act out in ways that create conflict and tension within the family. So, while the intention behind overshielding is to keep children safe and happy, it’s important to be mindful of these potential negative consequences on their social, emotional and overall development.

Finding a balance

Balancing the instinct to protect with the necessity of granting independence is a crucial aspect of parenting. While safeguarding children is a natural parental instinct, finding that sweet spot between ensuring their safety and allowing them room to grow is essential for their overall wellbeing.  

Firstly, focus on fostering resilience in your children. Equip them with problem-solving skills, coping mechanisms, and the confidence to tackle challenges independently. By doing so, you’re nurturing their ability to navigate the complexities of life with a sense of self-assurance.

As children grow, it’s vital to allow for age-appropriate independence. Gradually giving them more autonomy aligns with their developing maturity. This process not only helps them make their own choices but also allows them to learn from the consequences of those choices. It’s a gradual unfolding that contributes to their personal growth.

Open communication plays a key role in finding this equilibrium. Engage in honest conversations with your children about their fears and concerns. By validating their feelings and providing guidance without exerting excessive control, you create an environment where they feel heard and understood. This open dialogue fosters trust and reinforces the idea that they can turn to you for support without feeling stifled.

Moreover, instil a sense of trust in their instincts. Teach them to discern genuine danger and empower them to make informed decisions based on their own judgement. Building this internal compass contributes to their ability to navigate the world with confidence and a heightened awareness of their surroundings.

In essence, finding balance in parenting involves acknowledging the instinct to protect while recognising the importance of granting children the freedom to explore, learn, and grow. It’s a journey of gradual empowerment, open communication, and trust-building, ultimately shaping resilient, independent individuals ready to face the challenges life presents.

(The writer is a mental health professional and has, over the past 11 years, contributed to several Sri Lankan media publications in both English and Sinhala languages, focusing on topics related to psychology and counselling)