Characteristics of Helicopter Parents

Although helicopter parents may be concerned caregivers, their overprotective and over-involved parenting may be doing their children more harm than good. CNN Living notes that children who grow up under the control of micromanaging parents may feel anxious, frustrated and depressed. Consider the characteristics of helicopter parents to determine if the way you treat your child has gone from reasonable to extreme.

  1. Being Overprotective

    • Although it̵7;s important for parents to know where their children are at all times, helicopter parents are so controlling that they must manage every detail of their child̵7;s whereabouts. Deciding where your child goes, who he̵7;s with and what he wears and does ̵1; even as your child becomes a young adult ̵1; might actually hinder his development. According to Dr. Robyn Silverman, an educator on parenting, character education and body image, this level of control can interfere with your child̵7;s ability to learn how to make decisions and manage his time.

    Completing Chores

    • Helicopter parents may do everything for their children from cleaning to shopping to banking, even as the children reach college age. Although it seems helpful to keep your child̵7;s life running smoothly, completing the tasks that she should be doing by herself can actually be detrimental to her self-reliance and self-esteem. In an article for ABC News, Helen Johnson, a consultant on parenting, notes that a parent who commandeers her child̵7;s life may lead the child to believe that she isn̵7;t competent enough to handle her own responsibilities.

    Getting Overinvolved

    • Parents should run interference for their children when absolutely necessary ̵1; such as pointing out a bullying situation with the school principal or discussing an incorrect grade with a teacher. However, helicopter parents consistently communicate with others on behalf of their children. As an overly concerned parent, you may contact your child̵7;s teachers about assignments, employers with work questions or even friends about social engagements. Dr. Robyn Silverman stresses that handling these school, work or social tasks without giving your child the chance to tackle them himself can deprive him of valuable interactions, problem-solving opportunities and learning experiences.

    Correcting Mistakes

    • In an effort to help their children avoid mistakes, helicopter parents often oversee, correct or completely revise their school assignments and projects. Although your child might make fewer errors as a result, an article on the Copper Canyon Academy website notes that this type of micromanaging can teach your child that it is bad to make mistakes and even cause her to stop trying to finish her work on her own. Your child might become completely dependent on you because she has never learned the skills to give her confidence and independence.

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