Overprotective Parents: How to Support Your Child Without Becoming a Helicopter Parent
When it comes to raising a child, there are almost as many opinions as parents. There are also so many parenting styles as well as philosophies that it can be tough to know which one is the best for your child and family. In any case, the role of a parent is to do what’s in the best interest of your child. But figuring out how to strike that balance can be tricky sometimes. A growing trend among parents today is being overprotective — also known as being a helicopter parent. This means you’re hyper-focused on ensuring your child has every opportunity and advantage when it comes to their future. You may even go so far as micromanaging their life in order to keep them safe at all times.
What is a Helicopter Parent?
A helicopter parent is someone who hovers over their child’s life and decision-making process. This type of parent is overly involved in their child’s life and makes choices for them, or at least tries to heavily influence the decisions they make. This can include what they’re studying in school, what activities they’re involved in, and even who they’re dating and hanging out with. A helicopter parent may help their child with any task they’re capable of doing on their own, spoiling them with praise and positive reinforcement, and hovering over them when they make mistakes. The goal of a helicopter parent is to shelter their child from any type of harm, real or perceived. Basically, you’re trying to shield your child from any discomfort or failure, whether it’s necessary or not. A helicopter parent can be harmful for children for many reasons. For one, it can make them feel like they’re not capable of doing anything right without their parent’s interference. It also prevents kids from developing the coping skills they’ll need when they begin to fend for themselves after graduating from college or moving out of the house. Helicopter parenting can also create issues in which your child feels like they can’t come to you with problems because they don’t want to burden you or interrupt your busy schedule.
Why Are There More Helicopter Parents?
You might assume that certain types of parents are always going to be overprotective. For instance, you might think that parents who are first-time parents are more likely to be overprotective compared to parents who are raising their fifth child. However, experts say that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, it’s the parents who have a lot of experience raising kids who are more likely to be helicopter parents. According to one study, this is because experienced parents know they can be strict while still allowing their children some freedom. They don’t want to be seen as being too lax, so they go overboard and try to over-correct themselves. There are also several cultural factors that are likely fueling the rise of helicopter parenting. These include parents spending more time at work, more kids being diagnosed with special needs, more kids being diagnosed with special needs, more resources for parents and kids, and more information about child development online.
Problems with Being an Overprotective Parent
As we mentioned before, a helicopter parent is hyper-focused on ensuring their child has every opportunity and advantage when it comes to their future. But sometimes, you have to face the reality that your child won’t be able to achieve their dreams. If you shelter your child too much, you may be preventing them from trying new things and gaining valuable life experiences. This can make it harder for them to succeed once they’re out in the real world and don’t have someone to help them with every little thing. The best way to support your child is to help them develop the skills they need to succeed. This means letting them make their own mistakes, encouraging them to set goals, and helping them to set a path toward achieving those goals.
3 Ways to Support Your Child Without Becoming a Helicopter Parent
While many parents want to do what’s best for their kids, they also want to avoid being overly strict, nit-picking, or smothering them. This means there can be a thin line to walk between being a helicopter parent and being a supportive parent. Here are a few ways you can support your child without going overboard. — Let them make mistakes. — Let them fail. — Give them room to explore. — Give them space to make mistakes. — Let them be who they are. — Try to be supportive without being critical. — Don’t forget to have fun. — Remember to give yourself a break.
Conclusion
There are many different types of parenting styles. Some are more strict than others, while others are more hands-off and relaxed. And while each one can work well when you’re raising your child, it’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to do it. What matters most is that you’re doing what’s best for your family. And though you may want to be the best parent you can be, that doesn’t mean you have to be a helicopter parent.
