Are you that parent who does their child’s homework? Do you decide who your kid gets to play with, and never allow him to be out on his own? Do you tend to do things for your kid, that he can probably easily do on his own? If you’ve answered yes to these, it’s known as helicopter parenting.
Helicopter Parenting: What It Is And How You Can Stop Doing It
But hey! Don’t be offended yet! Helicopter parenting is basically micromanaging stuff for your kid. You may feel like you’re making the good choices for your kid, and that you’re actually helping him/her, but in fact, it is the other way round.
If you decide your kid’s every move and do everything for him/her, you’re basically spoon feeding him/her and not allowing him/her to grow and make decisions for himself/herself. If your child is constantly overshadowed by your moves and actions on his/her life, he/she will be unable to make decisions for himself/herself, and it’ll make him/her rely on you more than he actually should.
This will not only affect his progress and growth in his school life but also his personal and social life in more ways than one.
Whether it is the fear that your little one will be unable to cope with a particular aspect or being influenced by other parents around you, there are many possible reasons why you might be obsessed about handling everything for your kid. No matter what the reason is though, here’s how you can actually stop doing it.
1. Don’t hover over your kid while he performs day to day activities.
Give him/her his space and let him/her do things his way. Even if he/she makes mistakes, let him/her do it, because your child will learn from them.
2. Don’t label your kid.
Like ever. Even if your kid is unable to do something right, never put a stamp on it.
3. Allow your kid to make some choices.
It can be picking a new outfit or a new book. Allow him/her to explore and think differently than you do.
4. Don’t be obsessed over everything your child does.
Learn to take little things lightly, and even if your child makes small mistakes, don’t make a big deal out of it. Your child is a human after all, and a little human at that. He’s allowed to make mistakes.
These are simple tips to help you not do helicopter parenting! They will help you along the way! It is a process and don’t be too hard on yourself as well if you don’t get it right every time. As long as your child has his/her space to make his/her own choices, you’re making progress and preparing your kid for adulthood!
My mom always encouraged us to be whoever we felt we were. She loved us no matter what. At the same time, she was a perfectionist and pushed us to be the best version of whoever we chose to be. I guess her helicopter was small. lol
I like her parenting style!
I think that balance is key, but no one is perfect.. Great read – thank you 🙂
Lots of this is happening, especially in Asia.. I think that most kids need their own creative space so they can unleash their genius
I knew 2 mothers that were real bad at doing this, we were having an adult only party and I put right on the invites no children allowed, well they brought their kids, and they just hoovered over them 24/7, it was bad
Let children make their own mistakes and learn form them!