Embracing helicopter mom mode:

Navigating parenting challenges with love and empathy

- TRACY

EVER heard of the term helicopter mom? It’s used to describe a parent who hovers — always just above the action, swooping in the moment something goes wrong. I never imagined I’d become one, but now... I get it.

It started back in Grade R. My son came home like any other day, but that evening, his teacher messaged me — thankfully — before he could say a word. A boy had spat in his face. Yes, spat. I saw red. I don’t even remember typing the reply, only how fast I sent it. I wanted that child moved, separated from mine, as far away as possible.

I wasn’t going to stay silent while someone treated my son like that. To the teacher's credit, she handled it immediately. But something changed in me that day. I realised how vulner-able our kids really are when we're not around — and how quickly I'll go into full defense mode when they are mistreated.

Then came Grade 1. A new year, a new problem. My son’s snacks started disappearing — the “nice things,” like chips and treats I packed as a little extra. I assumed maybe he was sharing. Nope.

Turned out an older boy — two grades above — was targeting younger kids, “taxing” their snacks like he owned the lunch benches.