You’ve seen them. Helicopter parents. Parents that seem to do everything for their kids, hovering nearby, always ready to make the decisions. Helicopter parents sound hobbling, overbearing and stifling. But is helicopter parenting actually harmful?
Psychologist Karen Fingerman led a study out of the University of Texas to test the claim that over-involved parenting ruins kids. What they found was that “grown children who received intense support reported better psychological adjustment and life satisfaction than grown children who did not receive intense support.” This support can come in the form of life skills or advice.
Helicopter parents are painted as hovering adults who are micro-managing their children’s lives. However, these adults may not be as harmful as some experts have led us to believe. Here are seven ways that studies have shown these parents are doing a good job.
1. They Know Where Their Kids Are & What They Are Doing
According to the Pew Research Center, 60% of parents regularly check their kids’ phones. Helicopter parents also know where their kids are by using location services. They know who their kids are communicating with and what they looking at on their phones by checking social media accounts, texts, and emails.
QUICK TIP: Establish house rules for device use with your children. Using software like Screen Time, OurPact or Qustodio not only allows remote monitoring and limits time on devices, it fosters agency by allowing kids’ input.