7 Things Helicopter Parents NEED to Understand
Posted: 07/17/2013 11:11 am
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Growing up, I watched as those of my generation felt pressured and controlled by their helicopter parents. Later on, these individuals experienced anxiety, major health issues and the constant feeling of never being able to live up to their parents' expectations.
In our fast-paced and competitive society, the stresses children face by over-ambitious parents often goes unnoticed. On behalf of the millennial generation, below are seven things helicopter parents everywhere need to understand.
1. Each child has their own capability.
I've met so many people during my lifetime, who admitted pursuing an activity that they had no interest for but were simply being told to do so by their parents. Success stems from passion. It is when children follow their true passion that they are able to excel easily in it.
I've met so many people during my lifetime, who admitted pursuing an activity that they had no interest for but were simply being told to do so by their parents. Success stems from passion. It is when children follow their true passion that they are able to excel easily in it.
2. Allow room for failure.
As the saying goes "you need to fail in order to succeed." Allowing a child to fail will allow them to learn from their mistakes and improve for the future.
As the saying goes "you need to fail in order to succeed." Allowing a child to fail will allow them to learn from their mistakes and improve for the future.
3. Over-hovering can impact your health.
According to an Indiana University psychologist, the pressure to excel can potentially contribute to depression and anxiety among adult children.
According to an Indiana University psychologist, the pressure to excel can potentially contribute to depression and anxiety among adult children.
4. Don't expect your 2-year old to be the next Einstein.
Each individual has their own learning time frame, some may take giant steps while others may learn things one step at a time. As long as a child is on the right track, you have nothing to worry about.
Each individual has their own learning time frame, some may take giant steps while others may learn things one step at a time. As long as a child is on the right track, you have nothing to worry about.
5. Don't pressure your kids to live up to something YOU want.
Be there support your kids and not control them. Motivate them to do what's best for them, not for you. The truth is, your child will be more proud of something they accomplished themselves.
Be there support your kids and not control them. Motivate them to do what's best for them, not for you. The truth is, your child will be more proud of something they accomplished themselves.
6. Give children the space they need.
Childhood is only temporarily and parents need to let their kid be a kid. Sure college applications are tough, but there's no need for a toddler to start worrying about college acceptances. Teach children the importance of quality over quantity in their work.
Childhood is only temporarily and parents need to let their kid be a kid. Sure college applications are tough, but there's no need for a toddler to start worrying about college acceptances. Teach children the importance of quality over quantity in their work.
7. Your kids are going to make you proud someday.
Beyond your overprotective ways, we kids appreciate you watching out for us. We want you to know that we will make you proud someday and though it may not be what you expect, we just want you to be happy for us.
Beyond your overprotective ways, we kids appreciate you watching out for us. We want you to know that we will make you proud someday and though it may not be what you expect, we just want you to be happy for us.
What are your thoughts on helicopter parents? Sound off in the comments below!
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