Wikipedia notes that “helicopter parenting”, an early 21st-century term, has been used to describe parents who pay extremely close attention to their children’s experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions.
These are mothers and fathers who try to smooth out and mow down all obstacles (real and sometimes imagined/fictional) in the path of their children’s progress.
Often they are the ones who bake the brownies, help clean up after school functions and drive the carpools. Where possible they also volunteer to serve as relief teachers and field trip contacts. Schools benefit greatly from their enthusiasm.
These are mothers and fathers who try to smooth out and mow down all obstacles (real and sometimes imagined/fictional) in the path of their children’s progress.
Unlike the children of affirming parents, the children of helicopter parents tend to be less assertive. They are just not allowed to make mistakes – and learn from them.
Often they are the ones who bake the brownies, help clean up after school functions and drive the carpools. Where possible they also volunteer to serve as relief teachers and field trip contacts. Schools benefit greatly from their enthusiasm. From the moment the umbilical cord is cut, children begin their long journey towards independence, step by step.
Some parents confuse the terms protecting and overprotecting. Protection is what a child needs; overprotection is what a helicopter parent needs.
Are you a helicopter parent???
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