Coddler

A coddler is an individual who excessively protects, shelters, or indulges another, often to the detriment of their independence, resilience, or growth. This behavior typically involves shielding someone from difficulties, unpleasant experiences, or challenges. The coddler may provide unnecessary support or guidance, fostering a sense of dependency. This differs from genuine care, which aims to empower and encourage self-sufficiency. The intention may be positive (love, caring), but the outcome usually causes harm. A coddler might focus on ease and comfort, often resulting in a lack of practical skills or the development of emotional strength in the individual being coddled.

Coddler meaning with examples

• The overly protective mother coddled her son, shielding him from all setbacks. As a result, he struggled to cope with even minor challenges later in life, always seeking help rather than learning to solve problems on his own. His dependency made him unable to develop and maintain friendships as he was unable to handle the social challenges.
• The university's relaxed grading policy made the students coddled, and unprepared for the rigor of the job market. The lack of constructive criticism during their education left them fragile and unable to adapt to the real-world pressures they encountered. Many quickly gave up when the first challenge emerged.
• The government’s welfare system, while intended to help, inadvertently coddled some citizens, creating a cycle of dependency. This meant they were not encouraged to seek employment or develop essential life skills, becoming stuck in the system, as the system made their life too comfortable to try and work.
• The celebrity's entourage always coddled them, preventing them from experiencing any negative feedback or dealing with basic inconveniences. This left them disconnected from reality, unaware of the public perception of their actions, which led to PR issues. The coddling meant a lack of reality.
• The affluent parents coddled their children, giving them everything they asked for and protecting them from consequences. Their inability to learn from their mistakes created entitled, ungrateful adults. Because of their inability to fail, they didn't know how to try again.