A Helicopter parent may mean well in their efforts to look after their children. However, they tend to be overbearing and this can cause more issues for your child. We are not taught parenting skills but we should reflect on how we handle situations and aim to be the best we can be.
If you know some of these types, you will immediately think of countless examples when they hover over their children, no matter what their ages. The Helicopter parent is typically the one who annoys teachers and other parents to no end. They disagree with anyone who stands in the way of their child. They are overinvolved in their children’s lives, which causes delayed emotional development for the kids. This is not about bashing parents but a chance to reflect on your parenting skills.
If you are wondering if you are perhaps a helicopter parent, here are a few basic signs of this parenting style. If you recognise yourself in these examples, remember it’s not too late to change and develop your parenting skills.
The Characteristics of a Helicopter Parent
Takes Controlling To A Whole New Level
The Helicopter parent is often well-intentioned. However, their actions are typically perceived by others as over the top when it comes to the need to control and to protect.
If you are the type of parent who often makes decisions for your child, and will fight any battle for him, then you are more than likely too controlling. A helicopter parent wants to be in charge not only of his or her children but also of what happens to his or her children.
So, for example, if this type of parent’s child does not like the teacher after only one day of class, then it’s off to the head’s office to immediately demand a new teacher. Instead of letting nature take its course and giving the teacher a chance, this type of parent wants to instead go for the quick fix without having the child figure things out or giving the teacher a fair chance.
Complains About Anything That Does Not Go Their Child’s Way
You have seen the helicopter parent at sporting events, even for children as young as four-years-old. They are the ones either loudly badmouthing the coach if their child is not playing enough, or the ones who actually are thrown out of a game for screaming in the coach’s face.
You see, these types of parents want their children to get what they want when they want it. They believe that their child is entitled to the best experiences and to whatever they want basically. If not, watch out because all hell will break loose. Unfortunately, this does not teach your child good sportsmanship and how to be part of a team.
Thinks That The World Should Revolve Around Their Child
While more grounded parents teach their children that the world does not revolve around them, helicopter parents teach the opposite. They truly believe that the world should revolve around their children, and they often show little respect for others in the process.
If their child wants to sit up at the bar at a restaurant while waiting for a table, how dare an adult who is drinking at the bar get annoyed by the children’s disruptive behaviour? If their kids want to run up and down the aeroplane aisles, so be it. They need the exercise.
Rules don’t really apply so much to the kids of helicopter kids. If the kids do break someone else’s rules, well it really is not their fault. The person who wants to punish them is mean or unfair.
Disrespects The Views And Needs Of Others
Helicopter parents are very determined to get their way when it comes to their kids. As a result, they want others to see their point of view no matter what. They side with their children in almost all situations, no matter how unreasonable. The parents show little respect for teachers or authorities if they dare criticise their little darlings.
Expects Everyone To Find Their Child As Adorable As They Do
Helicopter parents think their kids really are the cutest in the world. What’s even more interesting is they expect you to think so, too! So no matter how poorly behaved or bratty these kids are, you are expected to ooh and ah over them.
In conclusion, helicopter parents are problematic for their children and those who frequently come in contact with their kids. They are doing their children a huge disservice by trying to create a world in which the kids do not have to deal with challenges. If you know a helicopter parent, run! If you think you may be one, you really should consider your parenting skills and approach so you can give your kids a more realistic view of this world.
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