Overprotective Parents

A few of my friends have parents who are too overprotective. I feel bad for my friends and wish that there was something that I could do to help them. I know both of them try to make the best out of their situation by remaining optimistic. But what I cannot understand is why some parents treat their kids this way. I think it hurts a child’s development process and only encourages them to misbehave when they get older.

As their friend I try to encourage them to branch out a little bit, but I do it in a way that it not overstepping my boundaries. I also want them to know that other people go through the same thing. My parents can be overprotective at times too, but I think they are just looking out for me. Eventually they will have to realize that I am an adult and that I am responsible for my own decisions; they cannot protect me forever.