The Dangers of Helicopter Parenting

Parents who become overly involved and invested in a child̵7;s life have a common name ̵1; helicopter parents. This name developed from the constant hovering, like a helicopter, that is characteristic of a parent who constantly oversees and monitors a child̵7;s activities and pursuits. There are specific dangers associated with helicopter parenting that parents should understand.

  1. Confidence Issues

    • As an overinvolved parent hovers anxiously over a child, it̵7;s virtually inevitable that the parent will engage in rescuing and protective maneuvers as the child encounters difficulties, advises the Copper Canyon Academy, a residential treatment center for adolescent girls. A child may begin to experience a lack of confidence over time, believing that she will not be able to overcome obstacles on her own.

    Achieving Goals

    • Concerted effort, determination and focused energy are needed to accomplish some goals. If a child comes to expect a helicopter parent to always be available for assistance and support, the child might learn that she doesn̵7;t need to work as hard as she might otherwise need to because the parent will step in to fix the situation or prevent failure.

    Building Resilience

    • Failure can teach important life lessons, including tenacity, strength and perseverance. A child who never experiences failure because a helicopter parent hovers protectively overhead may not develop adequate resilience. Life can be ̶0;unfair̶1; at times and even downright brutal, but many times such experiences help build and shape character and will enable a child to continue to strive to achieve goals. Of course, parents can and should help children navigate hurtful or difficult situations, but effective assistance should include a focus on emotional support and advice, suggests professor of psychology Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D., with the Psychology Today website.

    Extended Dependence

    • Children need to strive gradually toward increasing autonomy throughout adolescence. When children experience over-involved parenting, they may remain overly dependent on parents instead of building the confidence and knowledge necessary to act independently. Children may even develop manipulative tendencies to encourage even more involvement from helicopter parents, which can also be unhealthy and hindering to the child̵7;s development. Children of helicopter parents may have difficulties during adulthood because they rely too much on parental support and involvement.

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