No one, except for a few Instagram influencers, is saying that raising children is easy. And every family has to find their own path. Whether you’re a first-time parent or your child is growing out of the newborn phase, it makes sense to try to figure out the parenting style that works for you. Helicopter parenting is a common option, although it has come under a lot of criticism in the past few years. What is helicopter parenting? And why is it condemned?
ContentWhat is helicopter parenting?What is helicopter parenting: the signsAdvantages and disadvantages of helicopter parenting
You've probably heard of helicopter parenting as an approach to raising children, but you may not know the details. WomanEL will list its pros and cons.
What is helicopter parenting?
Helicopter parenting is a modern style of parenting that emerged as a concept in the last decade. The name “helicopter” comes from the fact that such parents “fly” over their child, follow her and do not wait for her to “land”, so they will solve all her problems. Because of the fear of what might happen to the child, helicopter parents watch their child's every step in order not to make a mistake.
This form of education is becoming more and more common recently. It completely contradicts the free upbringing of children, which is used by parents who allow their children to face difficulties and mistakes independently and learn from them.
Helicopter parents, on the one hand, provide great support to their child through open communication, but at the same time, they are intrusive towards their children, preventing them from developing autonomy and independence. They are characterized by a strong concern for their own children and control over their behavior, as well as an active participation in their lives to achieve the success they strive for. Although they actively help a child succeed, they do so in a way that does not give them independence and their own choices.
What is helicopter parenting: signs
The most common characteristics include:
- Concern about your children's safety.
- Having strict rules for your children.
- Solving problems for your children.
- Constantly controlling and correcting.
- Overinvolvement in your children's schoolwork or sports.
- Anxiety and fear.
- Fear of failure.
Pros and Cons of Helicopter Parenting
The impact of helicopter parenting on children and adolescents is being actively studied. It also has its advantages. For example, helicopter parents often maintain close and caring relationships with their children. Helicopter parenting is associated with warm and supportive parental behavior, which includes constant communication, emotional support, and openness between parents and children.
However, the impact of helicopter parents is not always positive. For example, one study of more than 300 college students found that children of helicopter parents had lower levels of psychological well-being. What’s more, they were more likely than their peers to use prescription medications for anxiety or depression. They were also more likely to use over-the-counter painkillers to self-medicate for distressing experiences.
What’s the difference between supportive and helicopter parenting? The key is whether the situation requires active parental involvement. This depends on both the circumstances and the child’s age. And it’s often a difficult decision for parents to make.
Helicopter parenting, unfortunately, can affect a child’s self-confidence, leading to low self-esteem and a lack of independence that can haunt them into adulthood.
Your children may be unsure of themselves and their abilities. When it comes time to become adults, it can be a very difficult transition because they haven’t learned important lessons and the skills to take responsibility for themselves.
Is it possible to break free from helicopter parenting?
Some ways to break free from helicopter parenting may include:
- Instead of making decisions for them, help them make their own decisions.
- Give your child freedom.
- Understand that it’s okay to make mistakes.
- Give them appropriate responsibilities.
Remember that when you stop being a helicopter parent, it doesn’t mean you stop loving your child. You can still love, support, and empower your child by using boundaries and different approaches.
In contrast, there is the authoritative parenting style. Find out why it is praised and whether it is right for you.