10 Ways To Avoid Helicopter Parenting.
Helicopter parenting is a kind of child rearing that requires a great deal of control and surveillance. It refers to a parenting style in which parents are too focused on their children.
The phrase “helicopter parent” was coined by kids who said their parents hovered over them like a helicopter in Dr. Haim Ginott’s 1969 book Parents & Teenagers. In 2011, it got popular enough to be included in the dictionary. “Hyper-involvement in a child’s life” is the best way to characterise helicopter parenting (also known as cosseting). It is the polar opposite of free-range parenting, which encourages independence and independent thought.
This approach may be harmful to youngsters, potentially impeding their capacity to develop independence and autonomy. Therapy might assist whether you’re suffering as a parent or grew up with helicopter parents.
Helicopter parents not only assume too much responsibility for their children and repair their issues to protect them from disappointment or sadness, but they are also unduly punitive by not accepting responsibility for themselves and blaming their children for their own problems.
There are several indicators that you may be a helicopter parent. Helicopter parents, as the term suggests, hover over their children; they lack the ability to trust their children. If you over-parent your children, you’re a helicopter parent. You can’t, for example, leave that towel on the ground for them to learn what happens when you don’t put it away. Another clue is that you can’t leave your child to struggle at the park for a while or help them devise a strategy before carrying them up onto the top of the climbing frame. If you can’t let kids make mistakes in their arithmetic assignments, you could be a helicopter parent.
Helicopter parents have a difficult time letting go and allowing their children to sort things out on their own. They also struggle with the transition from being parents of a child (in the age sense) to being parents of an adult.
This is natural behaviour, but some parents take “supporting” to the next level, hovering over their children like a helicopter, thus giving rise to the name.
It might be difficult for helicopter parents to resist the need to overbear and overprotect their children, but there are strategies to handle these emotions. These include providing children options, teaching them how to deal with challenging situations, and allowing them space as they grow older.
Here are ten suggestions for breaking the cycle of helicopter parenting:
- As your children grow older, gradually give them more space.
It is crucial to “hover” over newborns and toddlers, but as children get older, it is important to give them freedom to play freely and with friends. The amount of space you provide will vary according to your child’s age and maturity level, but it should gradually grow.
- Provide options.
Instead of regulating what your child does, give him or her options. You may, for example, propose that kids take soccer, dancing, or music lessons.
- Assist your children in making their own decisions.
Instead of making decisions for your children, lead them by assisting them in considering their alternatives and weighing the pros and drawbacks.
- Allowing children to make mistakes is a good idea.
It’s difficult for parents to see their children struggle or fail, yet making errors is vital. When mistakes occur, assist them in processing their emotions and discussing what they could do differently in the future.
- Show them how to deal with problems.
When your children confront difficulties, your impulse may be to step in and solve the situation; nevertheless, it is more beneficial to talk to them about these difficulties and discuss solutions to deal with them.
- Assign chores and other age-related responsibilities.
Allow your children to acquire responsibility by assigning responsibilities, such as having your ten-year-old take out the garbage. This teaches children responsibility and how to contribute to a home.
- Offer assistance but do not assume control.
Allow your child room to problem-solve before giving assistance when he or she is experiencing difficulty with anything, such as homework or housework. When you do provide assistance, make it a teaching opportunity rather than completing the task for them.
- Allow for minor risk-taking moves.
Allowing your youngster to discover things out for himself feels risky. The concern is that he will fail. Tell yourself that in order for him to learn, he must make errors. The more we let and support our children to be themselves, the easier it is to set good limits.
- Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.
Recognize that you are not responsible for your child’s feelings or conduct, but you are entirely accountable for everything you say and do. Allow your child to feel and think for themselves; only then can they learn.
- Maintain Your Loving and Supportive Attitude
Helicopter parents love their children and want to assist them, but the manner they go about it is sometimes counterproductive. Continue to communicate your love and support while you give your child greater space. As a parent, this is your most powerful tool.
Feeling furious, upset, or anxious may indicate that you are suffering as a parent. You may also observe symptoms in your kid, such as rage, disobedience, melancholy, and anxiety. If you or your child are dealing with these issues, therapy can help you identify problem areas, understand how your own childhood may be influencing your parenting (perhaps you had a helicopter parent or another issue such as emotional incest), and teach you skills to help improve your relationship.
Individual, group, and family therapy can all help with parenting and family concerns. Furthermore, life coaches are an exceptionally valuable choice for seeking support. Make an appointment with an expert from The Holistic Living to locate a therapist who specialises in parenting. You can also check out the wellness store for other valuable products to help you in your life.
