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Parenting 101: what is a 'helicopter parent'?


I can do things by myself
Are you overly involved in every aspect of our child's ife? Do you control their homework, their class room behavior, do you even interfere with what your child's teacher is doing? Do you find yourself hovering all the time?
The phrase 'Helicopter Parent' was popularized by the Love and Logic Institute. It refers to a parent who exerts too much control in their children's lives, especially within the educational setting. The 'helicopter parent' tries to remove all obstacles in their child's life, effectively blocking them from learning from their own mistakes; even going so far as to call college professors and complaining about grades, and interfering with salary negotiations once their child enters the work force.
 
See also: Love and Logic

 

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parenting humor Examiner

Annette van de Kamp is raising her own children while teaching at an elementary school. As a result, she is exposed daily to the strange and...

Comments

  • Ellen Flynn 2 years ago
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    Great article! My sister-in-law was a helicopter parent for many years. When her oldest, who had achieved straight A's all through school, went away to college, she flunked almost all her classes the first semester and was put on academic probation. Why? Because she didn't know how to think for herself and organize for herself. She always had someone hovering over her and telling her what to do. These parents are doing their children a great disservice. Thanks for bringing up this important topic!

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