Are you raising interdependent, independent, or co-dependent children? What you decide can have a huge impact on your children. Lori Wildenberg and I discuss why we need to raise interdependent children and how it can reduce their anxiety while increasing family connectedness.
As a mother of four adult children and a licensed parent and family educator, Lori shares her unique perspective on what is happening to families and how parents can reduce their children’s anxiety throughout the parenting journey.

Independent Children
Throughout our years, Lori and I have come across numerous experts who promote the idea of cultivating independence in children. They argue that it equips them with the confidence to navigate the world successfully. While this notion holds some truth, it falls short when considering the significance of maintaining familial connections after leaving home. In fostering independence, there is a risk of inadvertently instilling a belief that an individual can thrive without the support of others.
Co-dependent Children
Conversely, certain parents display an extreme level of protectiveness towards their children, refraining from making decisions independently due to apprehension of making a mistake. This co-dependency often leads to a diminished sense of confidence.
Interdependent Children
Interdependency plays a vital role in our lives. It encompasses relying on others for moral, emotional, and spiritual support. When a child has a strong bond with their parents, this connection often continues even after they leave home. It’s not driven by obligation or guilt, but rather by the reassurance of knowing that someone will be there for them as they navigate the world around them.
Find a Balance
We want our children to be able to make decisions on their own. We don’t want them to be insecure and completely rely on us. That’s why we must consider how we raise our children.
When you focus on raising interdependent children, you can reduce your child’s anxiety and strengthen family connectedness.
About Lori Wildenberg
Helping families build relationships that last a lifetime is Lori Wildenberg’s passion. Lori, a licensed parent and family educator, is a national speaker and award-winning author or coauthor of six parenting books listed below. The Wildenberg home is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Lori is Mom to four, Mom-in-Love to three, and Mimi to four. A perfect day in Lori’s world is a hike with Tom (her hubby) and their growing family!
References and Links
The following may contain affiliate links.
- Website: Lori Wildenberg
- The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections
- Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home
- Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation Paperback
- Raising Little Kids With Big Love (The 1st Corinthians Parent)
Related Episodes
How to Connect with Connie
- Instagram | Pinterest
- Learn more about Connie’s book Parenting Beyond the Rules
- Learn more about the Equipped To Be podcast
Subscribe to Equipped To Be
If you find this podcast helpful, would you kindly subscribe and leave a review? It’s a great way to support the show and only takes a few seconds.




Have a Question or Want to Book Connie to Speak?
Want to contact Connie with a question? Want Connie to speak at your event? Contact Connie here.
