Helicopter Parent Mode
March 28, 2008 1:50 pm parenting stylesparenting mode, parenting tip, parenting mode, parenting issues
This type of parent will swoop in to issue help at a moments notice. At the slightest hint of trouble, they will be there with their first aid kit ready to heal any wound. They will provide money, supplies and support whenever it is required, without question and have often been known to sort out difficult situations that their children find themselves in.
There overriding need is to keep their child out of harms way and hurt and they will do so at their own detriment, often ending up being treated like a slave and feeling like a victim, getting very little back in return. Their children never really learn how to deal with failure or how to get themselves out of tight spots.
This parent needs to realise that they may be doing their child more harm than good. While none of us want to see our children hurt, it is a part of life that sometimes things do not go our way and we end up feeling let down and disappointed; they need to learn this.
Sure, sometimes they will need rescuing, but more often than not what they actually need is your support. So, instead of jumping in, ask them what they want to do about the situations and what support, not help, they need from you. See if they can sort it out themselves first.
The Blackhawk Helicopter Parenting Mode
You know when this parent is around - they are loud, nosy and come in with all guns blazing. They are nearly always in battle mode, ready to fight the next injustice that is happening to their child. Their overriding need is to be right and to get what is right for their child. They will often not believe that their child has done anything wrong and will blame others.
This parents need to learn to let their children fight their own battles. It is very important that a child learns to stick up for itself. The parents needs to hand responsibility back to the child and understand that sometimes, what they want may not be the right thing for their child.
There is a bigger picture here, about teaching their child about responsibility and social impact. They need to learn that for every action there is a reaction and you may need to learn to control yours. Next time you feel compelled to wade, in ask your child what they want first and then ask them how they want you to help them let them lead the way.
| 2.5 |

admin