What is helicopter parenting?

Helicopter parenting is a style of parenting characterised by excessive involvement, supervision and control over a child’s life and actions. The term comes from the idea that helicopter parents “hover” over their children.

Parents are usually overly protective and closely monitor and intervene in nearly every aspect of their child’s life. Parents will often manage tasks or make decisions, that the child could or should make themselves.

While helicopter parenting is usually motivated by good intentions, research shows it can have negative consequences for children such as low self esteem, lack of self confidence, and increased anxiety.