This post contains “Am I a helicopter parent?” quiz to help you increase your self-awareness when it comes to your parenting style.
Who Is The Helicopter Parent?
A helicopter parent is a term used to describe a parent who is overprotective and overly involved in their child’s life.
These parents hover over their children, constantly monitoring their activities and making all decisions for them.
Helicopter parents often have good intentions but their behavior can lead to negative consequences for their children, including lack of independence, lower self-esteem, and difficulty coping with challenges.
Related: Helicopter Parenting: Pros and Cons of Over-Parenting
Am I A Helicopter Parent Quiz
Results
#1. Do you tend to constantly hover and monitor your child’s every move?
#2. Do you often make choices for your child without giving them any input or allowing them to make their own decisions?
#3. Do you often overprotect your child and tend to shield them from any potential danger or harm?
#4. Do you often interfere with your child’s social life and relationships, such as dictating who they can be friends with?
#5. Do you tend to micromanage your child’s schoolwork, including contacting teachers frequently and completing assignments for them?
#6. Do you often trying to prevent your child from experiencing any failure or disappointment?
#7. Do you find yourself becoming overly emotional and defensive when your child faces any difficulty or challenge?
#8. Do you often intervene quickly in any situation that might cause discomfort or challenge for your child, instead of allowing them to learn from their mistakes?
#9. Do you often insist on being present in all aspects of your child’s life, such as attending all games or performances?
#10. Do you strongly believe that your child can’t do anything without your help or guidance?
Results:
The questions above represent common signs of helicopter parenting. If you answered yes to most of the questions above, then you might be a helicopter parent.
Related: Best 10 Self Help Books For Teens
Pros And Cons Of Helicopter Parenting
Here are some potential pros and cons of this parenting style:
Pros:
1. Children may feel more secure and loved when their parents are highly involved and available.
2. Helicopter parents can provide structure and discipline, which may be helpful for children who struggle with self-control.
3. Helicopter parents may be better able to protect their children from danger or harm.
Cons:
1. Helicopter parenting can create anxiety and stress for both parents and children. (source)
2. Children can become overly reliant on their parents and lack the skills to function independently. (source)
3. Overly strict or controlling parents can damage their children’s self-esteem and confidence. (source)
4. Helicopter parents may inhibit their children’s ability to take risks and learn from failure. (source)
5. The constant monitoring and hovering may cause tension and conflict within the family.
While helicopter parenting may have some benefits, it’s important for parents to find a balance between being involved and allowing their children to learn and grow on their own.
Related: Best 12 Growth Mindset Books
How To Avoid Being A Helicopter Parent?
Here are some tips on how to avoid being a helicopter parent:
1. Allow your child to make mistakes and learn from them. This helps them develop resiliency and problem-solving skills.
2. Encourage your child to take responsibility for their own actions, such as completing homework or chores without your constant reminders.
3. Give your child space to explore their interests and pursue their passions without always stepping in to guide them.
4. Respect your child’s privacy and avoid hovering over them, constantly checking their social media or other activities.
5. Maintain open communication with your child, but allow them to express themselves authentically and make their own decisions when appropriate.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to raise independent and capable adults.
By giving your child the space to grow and learn from their experiences, you are setting them up for success in the future.
Conclusion
Helicopter parenting, which refers to the style of overprotective and excessively involved parenting, can have various effects on adults.
It is important for parents to find a balance between being supportive and providing children with the freedom to grow and develop their own skills and identity.
