They are loud, anxious and annoying. People everywhere are trying to
find ways to deal with them. They can be found at schools, ball parks, and at the first sign of trouble. No, not teenagers: Parents. “Helicopter parenting” is a term used to describe parents obsessed with their children’s success and safety, who cautiously hover over them, sheltering them from mistakes or disappointment, insulating them from the world around them (Vinson). This term was first used by Dr. ?aim Ginott in his book Between Parent & Teenagers in 1969. The term became very popular and was added to the dictionary in 2011 (Bayless). This parenting style is characterized by a helicopter-like tendency to come to the rescue at the first sign of trouble for their children…
Helicopter parenting, although, can apply at any age (Bayless). Helicoptering involves various forms of hovering, and can begin when the child is born and continue through graduate school (Vinson). Helicopter parents can exist in all classes, races, and ages (Almendrala).
Helicopter parenting can develop for a number of reasons (Bayless).
Parents may fear urgent or serious consequences. Deborah Gilboa, M.D. and founder of AskDoctorG.com says, “many of the consequences parents are trying to prevent–unhappiness, struggle, not excelling, working hard or no guaranteed results–are great teachers for kids and not actually life threatening. It just feels that way.”(Bayless) Other factors that may contribute to why some parents hover may result from fear of safety or fear of failure (Vinson). Also feelings of anxiety, or peer pressure from other parents (Bayless).
Many helicopter parents start off with good intentions. They…
The consequences of helicopter parenting are far worse (Bayless).
The main problem with helicopter parenting is that it backfires
(Bayless). Kids who say they had over-controlling parents have higher levels of depression and anxiety (3). When the child receives parental support that they did not ask for, they feel less competent and have less initiative than peers who werent parented this way. The child develops a lack of sense of self-confidence because of this. The child also emerges from childhood without having basic survival skills like how to cook, clean, or do their own laundry (Almendrala).
In elementary school, helicopter parenting can be revealed through a
parent ensuring a child has a certain teacher or coach, selecting the childs friends and activities, or provided unneeded help with homework or school projects (Bayless). In high school, helicopter parenting can reveal itself in moments like when the school musical cast is chosen, when seniors are deciding on colleges, at any sporting event, and when their child receives a lower grade then what the parent thinks they should have received…
