Helicopter parenting is described as a parent who hovers over their children consistently and while this may not seem like a big issue, it can cause problems.
Helicopter parenting is described as a parent who hovers over their children consistently and while this may not seem like a big issue, it can cause problems. The major problem with helicopter parenting is that children who are parented this way may not know how it feels to make mistakes or how to solve problems themselves. This is usually because a helicopter parent will not allow them to stretch outside their parameters and therefore, the child leads a nearly perfect, organised life without any upset to their routines.
A helicopter parent may do everything for their child in an excessive manner including chopping their meals for them even though the child may be capable of once they are given an opportunity to practice. What can happen is a child becomes totally dependent on their parent and doesn’t learn. Once the nipper enters school it may not be easy for a youngster to settle without the constant interference of their parent ruling their life. Most children are overparented from a young age so by the time they hit primary school they may exhibit bad behaviour that perhaps a child of the same age but brought up with different parenting skills may not exhibit.
Signs of helicopter parenting are:
- Doing everything for your child without accepting that your child can do these things themselves.
- Not letting your child make mistakes and if they do, helicopter parents will try and sort out the issue themselves without letting their child solve the problem.
- Will refuse to listen to other people’s opinions about your parenting style and even if teachers tell you to let your kiddie free, you may not choose to take the advice.
- Do things for your child that shouldn’t be completed by you including homework, reading and cleaning your child’s own room.
- Encouraging your youngster to follow YOUR dreams and aspirations rather than letting them lead the way and follow THEIR own dreams.
- Entering your child into activities and events without asking your child but being expectant that they follow your lead.
- You don’t let them do anything away from you and prefer to keep your child close. Furthermore, you worry when your child is in school away from your watchful eye.
According to an article in the Irish Times, a study found that “helicopter parenting” could have a negative impact on a child’s emotional well-being, leaving them unable to cope in social situations. It is said in the article that while overbearing parents have mostly good intentions, children who learn how to handle challenging situations in their own life will have more success in life.
It was reported that the author of the study, Nicole Perry, from the University of Minnesota, said: “Our research showed that children with helicopter parents may be less able to deal with the challenging demands of growing up, especially with navigating the complex school environment.”
Therefore, helicopter parenting may cause bad behaviour and consequently, parents should consider how they parent their kids. Letting them do things themselves is the best course of action and no child should be managed in the way helicopter parents manage their kids. Children learn from a young age so by showing them how to be responsible, independent and self-motivated, these are key ways to provide them with the skills to succeed now, and in the future.
Written by Emma Hayes staff writer at Family Friendly HQ.
