Thursday, February 19, 2009

HELICOPTER PARENTS

"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." - M. Scott Peck


What does this say about our tendency to over protect our children? Could it be that our desire to keep our children comfortable, happy and fulfilled is actually robbing them of the motivation they need to grow and mature? Parents who hover over their children have been labeled, "helicopter parents." An example of a helicopter parent is a parent who talks on the phone or text messages a college son or daughter several times each day. This form of interference undermines a young person's ability to discover life for him or herself.

1 comment:

speechcoach said...

It is a thin line between protecting a child and helping him think for himself. As a parent of three college students, I did not want to be a helicopter parent, but was aware my children might need some guidance at times (like 2 AM). I chose to do it by writing them what started as a letter but, at their request, turned into a book. It has information on time and money management (including finding scholarships), making friends, academic skills, finding an apt and eventually, a job. The kids and their friends liked it so much, consulting it when they wanted, that it is now available as a down-loadable book at www.portableparent.com, "instant information, with a parent's insights, 24/7". Parents are welcome to add their comments to short sections.