Helicopter Parenting

The high cost of overprotection and control.

- Dr. Arshia Sheikh

"I am not a helicopter parent; I am a drone parent. I know where you are, who you're with, and what you're doing—all without your knowledge.”

Parenthood is the most thrilling, exhausting, and emotional ride of your life. It is the most beautiful feeling one can experience. We strive for perfection in our parenting so that our children can learn life's lessons with ease and become successful in every aspect. We want to be as perfect as we can. But does this really happen? Do our children absorb the same teachings we have imparted to them? Have we passed with distinction, or have we lost the plot? To answer these questions, one must have a basic understanding of parenting and recognise the type of parent they are.

I agree that a child is like raw clay that needs to be shaped responsibly to grow into an ethical human being. To assess one’s parenting style, it is essential to understand which category one falls into.

Types Of Parents

Controlling Parents: These parents have complete control over their children. It’s as if they hold a remote control, and once a button is pressed, the children obey. If they don’t, they face punishment.

Helicopter Parents: These parents always hover over their children. They never allow their child to do anything without supervision. They protect their child at all costs and never let them experience failure.

Avoider Parents: These parents avoid involvement and show little interest in their child’s development. Even when the child asks for advice, they take no responsibility in guiding them.

Balanced Parents: These parents set rules and explain the consequences of breaking them. They create a secure and safe environment where the child feels comfortable seeking advice and knows their parents are truly listening.