It basically describes a parent who has a tendency to hover over their child… well, like a helicopter at any given moment. Whether it’s to do with school work or experiences, the helicopter parents are the parents who are always there. Well, sometimes they are there a little too much.
That’s not to say that a helicopter parent is a bad parent, but there are a few effects that this helicopter parenting style can affect the child as they grow up, even if it’s not intentional.
A lot of families don’t tend to realize that they have a potential helicopter in their midst.
This is a classic. Helicopter parents never want to miss a single thing their little angel is doing, and it makes for some pretty embarrassing pictures for when you’re older. Remember that time you were the best star in the entire nativity?
It’s not that you meant to deceive or hurt them, it was just the only way you could do things with friends.
You know deep down that your parents only act this way because they love you. Lying to them just feels wrong.
Moving to college is a hard time for any parent, but most of all the helicopter parents. It probably took a few weeks to pack up your stuff, then a few hours to get them to leave so you can get to know your roommate. At least you’ve got your dad’s bawling to break the ice.
Just because you’re at college doesn’t mean you’re free. Every Christmas, Easter and birthday you’re expected home for family meals and chances to catch up. Don’t forget about Tuesdays either, it’s family game night.
Your mom has worked very hard to make the house a home, hearing you call somewhere else home feels like a betrayal.
It can be difficult to remember what you had for breakfast every day this week, was it eggs on Monday, or was that Wednesday?
Although breakfast conversation can be a little tedious, it’s always heart-warming to know that you have your own little personal fan club to come back to when having to adult get a bit tough.
You’re in such regular contact with your family that if you miss a phone date with your mom, you immediately have five missed phone calls, seventeen text messages and three FaceTime requests within the space of two minutes. It’s spectacular how fast worried helicopter parents can type.
Your friends seem to only talk to their parents on occasion, whereas you speak to yours almost constantly. It may be nice to have a little bit of space sometimes, but would you really want to give up the relationship you have with your parents?
Parents play a huge role in our development, and the relationships we have with them can shape us as adults. Although there are definite downsides to having helicopter parents, the benefits are insurmountable. The amount of love and support you receive from a helicopter parent is incredible, and they’re excited about everything you do.
This can really help you later in life to build stronger and more successful relationships with friends and others around you, as well as a sense of community around you because you know how to put a lot of effort into a relationship.
You can’t choose your family, and helicopter parents may be a nuisance growing up, but their love for you is irreplaceable. So, don’t take it for granted, you only have one set of parents, after all.
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