What is Helicopter Parenting? How to know if you are a Helicopter Parent.
Parenting can be a wild ride, and every parent approaches it differently. Some parents are hands-off, letting their kids explore the world with minimal interference. Others, well, they take a more "hands-on" approach. We're talking about the infamous helicopter parents. As a Dad Blogger in the Philippines, I often get asked the question of what helicopter parenting is. I think these folks are like the air traffic controllers of parenthood, always hovering, directing, and occasionally causing a little turbulence.
So let's unravel the mysteries of helicopter parenting and you can then find out afterwards if you are a helicopter parent.
**What is Helicopter Parenting, Anyway?**
Imagine you're at a playground like Kidzoona, and you see a parent who's following their child around, ready to swoop in at the first sign of danger, be it a scraped knee or a disagreement with a playmate. That's helicopter parenting in action! It's when parents tend to be overly involved in their child's life, often to the point of smothering them with well-intentioned care.
Helicopter parenting is not really a bad thing, its just another style that may have a kid rely too much on you.
So here is a checklist to know if you are a helicopter parent.
1. The super-hyper-mega sixth sense
Helicopter parents have a sixth sense when it comes to their kids. They seem to have a built-in alarm system that goes off the moment their child faces the slightest inconvenience. When their kids are in a playground and they get bumped by another kid, this parent immediately feels the pain and rushes off to aid their child. Bumps, bruises, or boredom, you name it, and the alarm bells start ringing.
2. Scheduling : Like a Boss
These parents are the true maestros of scheduling. Their child's calendar rivals that of a CEO. From extracurricular activities to playdates, they've got it all planned out. They've even scheduled bathroom breaks. These parents have a checklist of what a kid must do for the day, from waking up to taking a bath, to playtime, to nap time. While schedules are great, going overboard is the epitome of being overbearing. Kids should be kids, and work on their impulses as well so that they will know how to regulate themselves.
3. Hovering at Homework Time:
The helicopter parent's idea of helping with homework? Well, it usually involves more "doing" than "helping." They're like co-pilots during math homework, ready to take over the controls if things get too turbulent. Then when their kids get a bad grade at school, they immediately call their teachers' attention and ask for explanations.
4. The Chaperone Extravaganza:
Going on a school field trip? Brace yourself for the helicopter parent chaperone. They're the ones ensuring that every kid is safe, well-hydrated, and adequately sunscreened. These are the parents who get into every kid's business and watch over every single child on the bus.
5. Crisis Management Pros:
When a problem arises at school or with friends, helicopter parents are on the case like a detective solving a murder mystery. They're ready to confront teachers, classmates, or even the cafeteria lady if it means protecting their precious kid. The offense was that their kid's uniform had a ballpen mark, but they still needed to find out who is the bully that tormented their son.
The Comedy of Helicopter Parenting:
In all seriousness, helicopter parents often mean well. Their intentions come from a place of love and concern for their children's well-being. However, a dad blogger like me knows that it is essential to strike a balance between protecting and letting kids learn from their experiences. After all, how else will they discover and regulate themselves if everything has already been controlled for them?
Helicopter parenting, while sometimes amusing, reflects a parent's genuine desire to see their child succeed and be safe. It's all part of the parenting journey. So, if you find yourself hovering a bit too much, remember that it's okay to give your kids some space to spread their wings and explore the skies of life.
Parenthood is a wild ride, with or without the helicopter propellers. Embrace the adventure, have a laugh along the way, and let your child learn to navigate the skies of life with your guidance, and not with your constant hovering.
- The Blogger Dad of Manila
0 Comments