As New Albany-Plain Local Schools welcomes students back Aug. 19, two educators at New Albany institutions are urging parents to resist the temptation to over-help their children this school year.

Joanna Vilensky, division head and teacher at Columbus Jewish Day School, and Eldrich Carr, head of school at Marburn Academy, both told the Columbus Jewish News that the line between supporting a child and undermining their independence is one parents need to walk carefully. Freelance journalist A. Kevin Corvo reported the feature, published Aug. 17.

"There is definitely a balance between supporting your child and teaching them to advocate for themselves," Vilensky said. "If parents provide too much support, children never learn to deal with issues on their own."

Vilensky, whose school serves kindergarten through fifth grade at 150 E. Dublin Granville Road, said the homework struggle is a good example. Parents shouldn't complete assignments for a child, she said, but they shouldn't refuse to help either. Her recommendation: walk the child through the problem, and if they still don't understand, have them ask their teacher the next day.

That habit builds over time. Self-advocacy can start in elementary school and grow toward the independence middle school demands, Vilensky said.

Carr, whose school at 9555 Johnstown Road serves students in grades 1 through 12 with ADHD or dyslexia, framed the issue as a question of long-term goals. Most parents want to raise happy, independent people who contribute to their community, he told the Columbus Jewish News. But when parents do too much, students miss the practice they need to become those people. Striking the balance between "doing" and "guiding," Carr said, is fundamental.

He also drew a distinction between keeping children safe and shielding them from discomfort. Parents should encourage kids to confront awkward and tough moments, he said, then help them reflect and problem-solve afterward, celebrating successes and treating failures as chances to grow.

The guidance arrives as thousands of families navigate opening week. Students in grades 1-12 with last names A-K start Aug. 19; last names L-Z follow Aug. 20; all PK-12 students attend together Aug. 21. Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools opens Aug. 20, with all students starting the same day.