Helicopter Parenting is increasing in prevalence due to overprotective parents that refuse to allow their children to fail. Helicopter Parenting has numerous negative impacts on the youth it cultivates, including “neurotic tendencies, dependency on others and ineffective coping skills” (Odenweller, Wagener, Breitkreutz & Hellenbrand, 2014). Helicopter Parenting may benefit Millennials; by providing the support this sheltered generation needs to succeed within the unfamiliar terrain of independence and adulthood that is college. Helicopter Parenting is currently evolving and spreading into other areas of parenting: “Attachment Parenting” (as cited in Simplicio, 2013) advocates a constant physical bond between children and their parents. …show more content…
Ultimately, Helicopter Parenting is harmful to college students and attempts should be made to eliminate its necessity. Helicopter Parenting is a trending topic and one that is highly debated. As a newer topic, there is no mention of helicopter parenting in the course textbook. Therefore, it is beneficial to introduce and update individuals on the hot button issue that is Helicopter Parenting. Many of today’s parents demonstrate Helicopter Parenting, while many of today’s educators and professionals eschew it. This essay presents both the pros and cons of helicopter parenting on college students and analyzes whether this style of parenting serves as helpful or harmful to the young adults it cultivates. Why is Helicopter Parenting becoming more prevalent? It seems that helicopter parenting is becoming more and more prevalent in colleges around the nation. Many professors say parental involvement in student affairs “is happening at levels of intensity and in matters of minutiae they say they have never before witnessed” (Cutright, 2008). There are many theories on why ‘helicopter parent’ numbers are increasing. One theory asserts that today’s generation of college students “have been raised by parents who refuse to allow them to fail” (Simplicio, 2013). Thus, whenever something doesn’t go a student’s way mom and/or dad enter to make certain that it does. I am sure these parents have the best of intentions; a more optimistic explanation might infer that these parents are looking for ways to remain involved in the lives of their children who suddenly ‘leave the nest’ for institutes of higher learning. Perhaps these parents feel an unconscious need to compensate for the new lack of involvement they experience when their children go to college. If the cause of helicopter parenting is so innocent, why does it produce such poor outcomes in the youth it affects? Negative impacts of Helicopter Parenting According to Deci and Ryan (2008) the simplest explanation for why psychologically controlling parenting results in negative outcomes “is that this type of parenting may violate the basic psychological needs conceptualized through self-determination theory” (as cited in Schiffrin, Liss, Miles-McLean, Geary, Erchull & Tashner, 2014). Self-determination theory describes three innate needs in all human beings, which are necessary for healthy development and functioning according to Deci and Ryan (2008) (as cited in Schiffrin et al., 2014). The first and most important need is that of autonomy, the second is competence, and the third is relatedness to genuinely caring relationships (as cited in Schiffrin et al., 2014). According to Meyer et al. (2005) “When these basic psychological needs are met, a person experiences greater life satisfaction and lower levels of depression (as cited in Schiffrin et al., 2014). It seems parents can benefit their children most by allowing them to fight their own battles and being there metaphorically, for emotional support. Some are blaming the negative outcomes seen in college students today on generational differences. “Millennials are the largest generation to date. In 2007, the number of millennial students was more than 90 million strong and growing…Collectively, millennial students are highly diverse and well educated” (as cited in Much, Wagener, Breitkreutz & Hellenbrand, 2014). It is hard to imagine a generation of people outnumbering the baby boomers, yet here they are. With their impressive numbers, diversity, and access to education; the admiration appears to end there. According to Much et al. (2014) millennial students tend to ignore what may be expected of them, resist being accountable for their own actions, and depend on others for problem solving. A ‘chicken or the egg’ approach to the cause might ask; what has shaped millennials to behave this way, their era or their parents? Growing up with the answers to all of your questions at the press of a few keystrokes, via the internet, might be an obvious cause for a few of millennials’ negative qualities; such as “depending on others for problem solving”. However, it seems to me the majority of the negative qualities exhibited in millennials stem from helicopter parenting which “Produces neurotic tendencies, dependency on others and ineffective coping skills. Implications of negative effects include dysfunctional family environments, stunted development and overburdened college campuses” (Odenweller, Wagener, Breitkreutz & Hellenbrand, 2014). What is a parent to do when they want to remain involved in their child’s growth, but the method they’ve always used begins to harm their child’s development into a young adult? Giving young adults more space and independence lines up perfectly with the desires of just about every one I’ve ever met. Fortunately for them, much of the research supports their calls for autonomy: Students who reported having over-controlling parents reported significantly higher levels of depression and less satisfaction with life. Furthermore, the negative effects of helicopter parenting on college students’ well-being were largely explained by the perceived violation of students’ basic psychological needs for autonomy and competence (Schiffrin et al., 2014). If helicopter parenting produces so many negative characteristics in developing millennials, why is its prevalence increasing? Benefits of Helicopter Parenting Today’s college student belongs to a new generation of individuals, the likes of which the world has never seen before.
Referred to as Generation Z or Generation I due to their heavy exposure and involvement with the internet (Simplicio, 2013). This group was “…born between the years 1994-2004” (Schiffrin et al., 2014) and has never known a world without the internet, Pentium processors, or cell phones. A lifelong reliance on technology may have created a need to be eased into the independence that comes with college, a situation technology cannot prepare them for. As such, perhaps no one knows how to meet the needs of this generation better than its …show more content…
parents. Helicopter parenting is merely the manifestation of love, hope, and fear; that we have an opportunity and obligation to address. The ability of a college to monitor and regulate student behavior has been weakened by various statutes and legal decisions for more than the last century. This independence of students from institutional control has accelerated in recent decades (Cutright, 2008). Generation Z has been sheltered in many ways: its members have never had to use a phonebook, independently map out a road trip, or search through countless library books in order to have a question answered. This generation has never had to put as much effort into anything, as previous generations: combine this upbringing with the evolved environment of today’s college campus and perhaps a new approach is needed in order to successfully tackle college. Perhaps the changing times have created a necessity for helicopter parenting. Present state of Helicopter Parenting The trend of helicopter parenting does not appear to be going away, rather it seems to be evolving into more ‘Attached’ forms. A recent article in Time Magazine (as cited in Simplicio, 2013) examined a new parenting phenomenon referred to as “Attachment Parenting”: the leading proponent, Dr. Bill Sears, “advocates breast feeding on demand and into toddlerhood, not allowing any child to cry without being comforted immediately, and co-sleeping with young children” (Simplicio, 2013). This new take on parenting essentially creates a constant physical bond between children and their parents. Many parents seem to be scared into this style of parenting through claims that “excessive crying over prolonged periods can damage an infant’s brain” (Simplicio, 2013). Although claims like these have been greatly debated among the scientific community, many parents choose to err on the side of caution and act accordingly. Conclusion Ultimately, it is likely that the type, rather than the amount of parental involvement is crucial in determining child outcomes. Although good behavioral control is generally associated with positive child outcomes, psychological control may be particularly damaging…In contrast to control, parenting that is supportive of a child’s autonomy may be particularly beneficial (Schiffrin et al., 2014). I started researching this essay with the belief that there would be one decidedly obvious effect of helicopter parenting, helpful or harmful.
After reading some of the most recent literature on the topic, helicopter parenting appears both helpful and harmful. The majority of the scientific community seems to agree that there are more negative outcomes resultant of helicopter parenting, than positive. However, with an increasing number of parents resorting to helicopter parenting; there may be a parental instinct at play, activated by their sheltered youths being thrust into perhaps the most important determinant of their future success. Helicopter parenting seems to have been created out of necessity, to successfully navigate millennials through college. Yet at the same time, helicopter parenting seems to negatively affect the psychological growth and development of
millennials. It is my assertion that helicopter parenting is more harmful than helpful to today’s college student. Helicopter Parenting may be a parents only resort when attempting to foster their child’s college success in today’s college environment. In order to help eliminate the necessity for Helicopter Parenting, changes to the college process need to be made: some form of significant ‘introductory symposium’ could prove beneficial as it would ease millennials into their new situation and inform them of what is expected of them. College-distributed parental education might also help provide parents with the most productive methods for helping their student succeed.
In the article “Helicopter Parents Now Hover at the Office,” The Wall Street Journal columnist Sue Shellenbarger reveals that some parents have begun to involve themselves into their adult children’s job search. Shellenbarger explains that many parent have a hard time watching their child struggle since they have taken part in their daily lives for so long. She then describes that some children do not appreciate the hovering of their parents because the hovering prevents them from developing self independence.
Twenge’s article brings several issues to our attention. Doctor Twenge refers to the impacted generation as “iGen” because “members of this generation are growing up with smartphones and do not remember a time before the internet”(page 59). Twenge often refers to an interview she held with a thirteen-year-old girl named Athena. Athena’s interview provides an iGen teenager’s perspective on cell phone usage. Twenge’s research shows that iGen is known to be the least social generation; her statistics show that people have stopped hanging out with their friends and even going out on dates.
The article reads, “Kit noticed, during a recent guest lecture at UC Berkeley, that at least half of her students were typing… In other words: multitasking, available to their friends no matter where they were, and instantly accessing free information.” Throughout the article, they describe Gen Y’s connection with technology and how it differs from any other generation’s connection to the internet and the world around them. By using her own personal experience, she is validating those claims and providing readers with an example of how that connection looks to outsiders in real
“The Dumbest Generation” is a title no group of people want to behold. Nonetheless, people under age thirty have been given this belittling title. To those who go off questions about obsolete general knowledge rather than the ability to take in and evaluate knowledge, this title may seem quite fitting. However, Millennials aren’t quite as dull as they’ve been perceived to be. The ability of Millennials to absorb information, rather than know general facts, and their use of contemporary technology as reading and writing resources has proven that they are quite an innovative and bright generation.
Julie Lythcott-Haims’ article from Slate.com, “Kids of Helicopter Parents Are Sputtering Out,” is a recent article published on July 5 2015. Lythcott-Haims discusses the issues of mental health involving college students. Specifically, she is discussing the possible correlation of strict parental guidance—Helicopter or hovering parents--possibly affecting student’s life skills once they are on their own.
According to Carolyn Daitch, Ph.D., director of the Center for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders Helicopter parents refers to "a style of parents who are over focused on their children". She also added "They typically take too much responsibility for their children's experiences and, specifically, their successes or failures"(n.d). Helicopter parents is all about ‘hovering’ over their children in an effort to become involved in their life that involves over controlling and overprotecting. This is a control in order to protect their children from harm and disappointment in today’s society. These parents also find it hard to let go, won’t allow children to make their own mistakes in life and also placed their own identity
Being a parent is a lifelong commitment individuals make after having a child. Parenting Hal Edward Runkel, a licensed marriage and family therapist, takes a scream free approach to parenting. Runkel earned his master’s degree from Abilene Christian University. His current practices are in family therapy, organizational consulting, and professional coaching. With his book, ScreamFree Parenting, he hopes to “calm the world, one relationship at a time” (Runkel, 2007, p. 1).
The students who do not have the parent support and role models as young children are less likely to succeed in life. Children from single parent homes are more likely to use and abuse drugs (Hoffmann “The Community Context of Family Structure and Adolescent Drug Use”) as well as twice as likely to commit suicide and/or have a psychiatric disease (www.webmd.com). One of the ways that teachers can reach and influence these students is through afterschool programs. 57% of students from single parent homes are enrolled in some form of after school program from grades 1 through 5 (Working Families and Afterschool A Special Report from America After 3 PM: A Household Survey on Afterschool in America 2). Children often learn their social skills from watching their parents interact with others. Later in life, these may influence the jobs that they are offered and received as their potential employer evaluates how they communicate in an interview or in their interactions with others. Raymond
In Renee Wilson’s article, “In Defence of the iGeneration” (2013), she explores her belief of the iGeneration being the smartest generation yet. Through the use of many anecdotes, Wilson reflects on her experiences of teaching the iGeneration and their ability to ignore negative criticism and still show their full potential. In her article, Wilson discusses the iGeneration’s reliance on technology and social media; however, she does not engage the disadvantages of technology, in particular laptops in the classroom, which, as I argue here, is in need of more study. In this essay, I argue that the use of laptops by students in a university classroom is distracting not only to the student, but also to surrounding students. Inevitably, multitasking and distractions in the classroom will result in a decline in academic performance.
Cutright, Marc. "From Helicopter Parent to Valued Partner: Shaping the Parental Relationship for Student Success." New Directions for Higher Education Winter 2008: 39-48. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.
In this day and age, the media labels overbearing parents as helicopter parents, and the label itself has taken on a negative light due to the guilt by association. The ‘popular’ definition of helicopter parenting come from the ‘extreme’ cases (Jayson 5). The extreme cases in the news are just that, extreme cases; they do not depict helicopter parenting in general, and have been given the name Blackhawks (“Liftoff for ‘Helicopter’ Parents”). The idea of helicoptering has become a misguided ‘negative portrait’ by media using the term and ‘over parenting synonymously’, but the two terms should be used so. They are very different; over parenting is when a parent does not let the child think for themselves (Aucoin). Over parenting and helicopter parenting are not synonyms, but they are not quite antonyms. Helicoptering can become oppressive parents quite easily. Another side of over parenting is the side that ‘expects… immediate compliance’ to orders without giving reasoning. This style can cause below average ‘self-esteem… self-reliance and… social skills’ (McDevitt and Ormrod). The regular helicopter parenting is more common than what would be assumed as a study shows ‘60 to 70 percent’ of college parents have ‘some helicoptering behavior...
Most parents take an interest in their child’s life from birth until they become an adult by picking and choosing what is best for them as much as they possibly can. Parents want to help their children to be as perfect as they can make them. Typically hovering parents spend a lot of money, time, and effort filling schedules things like with dance classes, baseball, and tutoring in order to have a ‘perfect’ child. As well as coming to their aid when they are in need, or their defense when they are in trouble. Help in making important, life changing decisions, like where to go to college at, or which career to pursue. When does helping become hovering? The generation of “Helicopter Parents” is becoming more and more prevalent in families. A helicopter parent is a guardian who is hanging over the head of their college-age son or daughter. Helicopter parents typically do whatever necessary to lead their child to success. This controversy has many suggesting it is actually making a positive impact in the next generation, some think not. I question if the next generation of young people will be able to think for themselves? If so, will the decisions they must make in life be adult decisions? Hovering parents are hurting society more than helping it because the next generation is not learning how to be responsible for their actions and make their own choices.
However, for children of helicopter parents this is often the opposite of what happens. Often these students feel overwhelmed, and feature high levels of anxiety (Reed, 2016). The support of a parent, for a child entering college, can be greatly beneficial in reducing stress, and helping them more easily adjust to their new responsibilities. However, with helicopter parents, they provide two much support, that hinders the student’s development and adjustment to new situations. Kayla Reed, et al (2016), developed a study to examine the well-being of college students with helicopter parents. Their study consisted of 461 college students, who were asked to complete an online questionnaire. This questionnaire included an depression inventory, a self-efficacy scale, a helicopter parenting survey, and a few other related scales. The results of their study indicated that the majority of participants had low levels of helicopter parentings. However, the findings for those, who did measure as having helicopter parents, findings were as expected. As per other research has indicated, these students had higher levels of anxiety, depression, low self-worth, and little to no coping
Fifty years ago, the typical American family included a mother, father and their children. However today, “One in every four children in the United States are being raised by a single parent. Experts point to a variety of factors to explain the high US figure including a cultural shift toward greater acceptance of single parent rearing.”(Armario). As these numbers continue to rise due to modern day ideas and the increasing divorce rate, the children of single parents struggle. “Today 41% of all births were to unmarried women.”(Hymowitz). Single parent families have a detrimental effect on the psychological development of children because single parent families lack financial stability and quality parenting, in addition to lacking a stress free environment.
Generation Z is determined to change the future and is at an advantage over all previous generations to do so. This group is those born between the years 1995 and 2012, whom are currently ages 4 to 21. Statistics show Gen Z is extremely mature for their age with the lowest levels of drug use, alcohol consumption, smoking, and teenage pregnancy in decades, as stated by JWTIntelligence. This demonstrates that they are future orientated. Generation Z is unified, diverse, realistic, and technologically advanced, making them the generation with the power to impact the world.