Helicopter Parents

1130 Words3 Pages

Most parents take an interest in their child’s life from birth until they become an adult by picking and choosing what is best for them as much as they possibly can. Parents want to help their children to be as perfect as they can make them. Typically hovering parents spend a lot of money, time, and effort filling schedules things like with dance classes, baseball, and tutoring in order to have a ‘perfect’ child. As well as coming to their aid when they are in need, or their defense when they are in trouble. Help in making important, life changing decisions, like where to go to college at, or which career to pursue. When does helping become hovering? The generation of “Helicopter Parents” is becoming more and more prevalent in families. A helicopter parent is a guardian who is hanging over the head of their college-age son or daughter. Helicopter parents typically do whatever necessary to lead their child to success. This controversy has many suggesting it is actually making a positive impact in the next generation, some think not. I question if the next generation of young people will be able to think for themselves? If so, will the decisions they must make in life be adult decisions? Hovering parents are hurting society more than helping it because the next generation is not learning how to be responsible for their actions and make their own choices.
The next generation of young adults is not being taught the important life skills needed to thrive in today’s world. Adults who have never had to challenge themselves are not going up the ladder of success. Dr. Whelan, a sociologist who has taught at many universities, has three books, and several notable achievements wrote the article, “Helping first year students help them...

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...life to let go, they can proudly grow and succeed on their own into a successful citizen.

Works Cited

"India Suicide Rates Highest Amongst Young, Educated." ABC Regional News (n.d.):
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Kantrowitz, Barbara. Tyre, Peg. “The fine art of letting go.” The Reader, 2nd edition.Pearson
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Kramer, Liz. Walker, Katherine. "Adult Children & Independence: An Overview." Points Of
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Trevizo, Perla. "UTC professors study the effects of helicopter parenting." Chattanooga
Times/Free Press (TN) 09 Jan. 2012: Points of View Reference Center. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
Whelan, Christine. “Helping first-year students help themselves.” The Reader, 2nd edition.
Pearson Education, Inc. 2012: 257-258. Print.

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