Helicopter Parenting

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Helicopter Parenting has recently garnered the attention of the people who wants to understand parenting as a serious subject. But this parenting style has been with the societies since a very long time. The biggest challenge is that Helicopter Parents consider their method as a need for their kids rather than a hindrance to their development. We shall try to understand the phenomena alongside its pros & cons for you to decide which side you wish to be.

What is a Helicopter Parent?

In my opinion, the Helicopter Parent is who forgets his/her boundaries & go beyond being an involved parent. Just like the Helicopter, they are hovering on the child for minutest moments. During the initial years of research, this parenting style was used to symbolize the parents who help older children for tasks which they are capable to carry out. But with passing years & evolving generations, this style has been observed at every age.

Some Examples of Helicopter Parenting:

 

·        Rick is a 13 years old kid. He loves to play basketball. His mother Anna always stays involved in his passion & manages every aspect of his routine around this activity. She also decides when & for how long he should exercise.

·        Suchi is Kahaan’s mother. Kahaan is 6 years old active child. However, suchi constantly keep directing Kahaan for doing different activities & grant almost NIL time alone.

·        Kann is 10 years old.  His mother Camela has a habit of choosing his friends. She also intervenes during his extra-curricular activities & insists upon some particular coach or tutor for learning.

Why Do Parents Hover?

Parents develop this method because of various reasons. However, these are some of the most significant triggers which cause or drive them to be a Helicopter Parent:

·       Fear of Unknown/ Consequence

In this scenario parents simply relate their own experiences, fears & failures with their kid’s situation. Their fundamental parental protectiveness drives them to protect their kids from any probable adversity. They simply do not want their kids to be in a dejected or vulnerable spot.

·       Feeling Anxious

Being a parent is not easy. Owing to our invaluable & complex bond created by nature we over-associate our feelings with our kids. This anxiety triggers the helicopter parenting condition in our actions.

·       Overcompensation

Parenting has become a more enlightened aspect in our lives recently. The previous generations have unknowingly ignored some of the finer aspects related to parenting. Due to this many of us who have felt helpless, rejected & failed during our childhood want to protect our kids from these negative emotions.

·       Peer Pressure

The absolutely unnecessary pressure from the peer parents also invokes this parenting habit in many parents. Just to stay in line with the trend we often over-indulge ourselves in the lives of our kids.

Adverse Effects on Kids

No matter how much we try to justify our parenting style. The Hovering does its harm in the most unimaginable ways. Let us understand the negative implications associated with Helicopter Parenting.

·       Lower Self-Esteem

For obvious reasons kids who are being corrected by their parents more often will second guess their own capabilities. Their confidence will be very low & decision-making abilities will be really weak as they will lack in experience of their own.

·       Inefficient Coping Skills

When a parent is always available to clean the mess created by the child will actually be the biggest hindrance in his/her development. Let them be on their own in certain situations & help them being capable to manage disappointments, loss & failures.

·       Increased Anxiety

A child who has always received unsolicited guidance from parents will certainly feel anxious & depressed while facing a new situation. He/she will instantly feel the lack of confidence to face the event which will make them anxious.

·       Underdeveloped Life skills

Parents constant presence to clean the surrounding, tie shoes, pack lunch, manage studies & etc will lead the child to be inefficient in these essential yet basic life skills.

·       Feeling Entitled

Kids whose lives are always well arranged will surely grow a sense of entitlement in life. They also develop the skill of having their way as far as the parents are concerned.

 

We have made the Helicopter Parenting method pretty clear to everyone. Now it is up to us to choose which side we want to be. Do we want to keep our kids constantly dependant on us or we wish them to grow & fly in their own sky.