The Impact of Free-Range Parenting on Children's Mental Health in China

Free-range parenting currently has a limited audience in China, where reducing parental control and involvement in children's growth is often perceived as a non-traditional and irrational choice by most parents. This paper analyzes Western theories, influences, and case studies within the context of China, conducting a comprehensive analysis to develop practical strategies for free-range education, particularly focusing on its main concepts. Compared to theoretical research, this study places greater emphasis on the psychological changes and emotional responses of children within this educational framework, especially the extent of positive impacts on their various abilities. Open parenting positively promotes children's psychological resilience and autonomy but should be implemented with certain optimization mechanisms. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses to achieve theoretical insights while enhancing the practical design of free-range education under controlled and corrective mechanisms. The findings can effectively inform educational model selection and optimization strategies, including the design of control mechanisms and diversified models integrating multiple educational philosophies.