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Skillstrainer Blogs

What is a Helicopter Parent

Shilpi Banerjee

Sep 07 2023

Helicopter parenting refers to a style of parenting where caregivers aka parents or guardians, are highly involved in their child's life. This parenting style often stems from well-intentioned concerns for the child's safety and success but can have some negative consequences.

Key characteristics of helicopter parenting include:

Excessive involvement:
Helicopter parents are deeply involved in their children's daily activities, including schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social lives.

Overprotection:
These parents tend to shield their children from potential risks or disappointments. They may intervene to prevent their child from experiencing failure, disappointment, or adversity.

Constant supervision:
Helicopter parents closely monitor their children, sometimes to the point of invading their privacy. This may involve checking their text messages, emails, or online activity.

Decision-making control:
Helicopter parents often make decisions for their children rather than allowing them to make choices and learn from the consequences. This can hinder the development of decision-making skills and independence.

Lack of autonomy:
Children of helicopter parents may struggle to develop independence and self-reliance because their parents have been so involved in their lives.

Anxiety and stress:
While helicopter parents may have good intentions, their constant hovering and overprotective behaviour can lead to increased anxiety and stress for their children. It may also strain the parent-child relationship.

A balanced approach to parenting, which allows children some independence and the opportunity to learn from their own experiences, is considered more beneficial for a child's long-term development.

Guide your children to be successful in their life. Progress is not about being perfect, its about moving forward even with small steps. Click here to know more parenting tips.