To "coddle" means to treat someone with great care or to pamper them. It involves providing excessive attention and protection, often preventing them from experiencing any difficulties or challenges. Full definition
That and the fact that he wasn't coddled by Avery Johnson like every other coach tried to do once he got big (hence PT wasn't guaranteed). (sbnation.com)
«We feel that a gamer's skill can scale indefinitely if they're not coddled by the game, and want to continue making games that force the player to improve rather than placating players who are bad.» (indiegames.com)