I was reading an article that referred to the role that “helicopter parents” are now playing once their “children” enter the workforce. I have to admit that I hadn’t heard the term before and I was absolutely horrified that parents of nearly-adult and adult children were actually doing these things! My own parents didn’t even help me fill out college applications or go with me to find my first apartment at the tender age of 18. While I’ve gotten used to how involved parents are now expected to be with their children while they are growing up—I guess I hadn’t been paying close enough attention to what is going on once those kids are supposed to be adults…
So, I guess there are parents out there who attend job interviews, call about benefits, and choose what majors and classes their kids will take in college. Needless to say, I’m having a hard time thinking that all this over-involvement is ever a good idea. After all, I’m a mom who refuses to get overly-involved with my kids’ lives now and they are all still in high school. I don’t do homework, and I don’t force them to take classes or electives. I’m also not forcing them to go to college. I support them, and I do step in and help fill out applications and do research and make resume’s, but I am not going to do it for them. As I tell my kids, “I’ve already been 17 (or gone to high school, college, etc.)—now it is your turn.”
So what do you think about this term “helicopter parents” and do you think it is here to stay? When I read that certain companies have “parents’ day” for newly hired young adults I admit I was completely horrified. This can’t be the wave of the future?! What do you think?
Also: Allowing Your Kids to Dream–Within Reason
Helicopter Parents–Are They Going Too Far?