A former high school teacher told me the other day that dealing with “helicopter parents” created some of the worst memories in her 35-year career.
“Bleak fact is that these pampered kids, whose parents constantly intervene by removing difficulties the students should learn to tackle themselves, often wind up as anxious, haughty, self-admiring young adults who have trouble coping with the demands of everyday life.
“It would be better for parents to put that energy into helping children, especially adolescents and young adults, learn how to handle problems and setbacks on their own. What’s important to learn is that failure is not fatal – what’s critical is how you bounce back,” she concluded.
It is no secret that many adults are wondering which of the two styles is the better route to take in this self-indulgent modern age – helicopter parenting or throwing away all disciplinary actions where kids do as they please.
Good parents naturally take interest in every aspect of their child’s life. Although mistakes are made on occasion, I say blessed is the child raised by any such parents.
Gertie Pool, Abbotsford