The Dangers of Helicopter Parenting

One of the most frustrating realities facing college administrators and faculty is the rise in helicopter parenting. It seems that more and more parents are hovering over their college-aged children, running interference for them if they are unsatisfied with a grade. While helicopter parenting may be well-intentioned as parents think that they’re helping their kids out, it’s actually quite counter-productive. Our kids need to launch from high school into an independent life where they are functioning as adults, taking responsibility for themselves, and learning from both their good and bad decisions. If we are always covering for them or attempting to buffer them from the difficult realities of life, we are nurturing our kids into dependence, selfishness, and entitlement. Parents, if you are engaging in helicopter parenting to make yourself look good through your kids’ achievements stop. In fact, all helicoptering parent must stop. Let your kids learn from their mistakes.