With the many dangers in today's society, many parents feel they must take an active part in monitoring and intervening in their children's lives on a minute-by-minute basis. This intense parenting style is often called "helicopter parenting" and it can have a detrimental effect on children's development.
The term "helicopter parenting" came into popularity recently, but the idea goes back to the 1960s. It was teenagers who first coined the phrase to describe parents that seemed to spend too much time "hovering" over them to ensure that they did well, did what they were supposed to do and otherwise fulfilled expectations of perfection. The term has been further expanded to include over-monitoring of children younger than teen age, whose emotional and experiential growth is being stifled by too much supervision.
If you suspect you might fit the definition of a helicopter parent, check yourself against these common symptoms:
Usually, parents aren't aware that they are overdoing their monitoring of their children's actions and behaviors. Internally, it feels like they are being "good parents," but it ends up being too much of a good thing. Reasons why parents are driven to over-monitor their children are:
Helicopter parents monitor so closely because they believe that's the best way to look after their children, but many studies show that helicoptering can have a negative effect on children's emotional and psychological development and can lead to:
If you suspect you are a helicoptering parent and would like to change, monitor the frequency of times you feel the urge to "take over" decisions for your child. Learn to stand back and watch to protect your child's safety, while understanding that not every situation needs your control and input. Allow your child to be disappointed, sad and uncertain. These experiences are needed for healthy development into a functioning adult.
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Comments (1)
I do not approve of hurting a child , but a gentle tap or two does wonders for control , and other students
learn from it also. studecar