Helicopter Parenting

Caught between love and fear, many parents in Kashmir are over-controlling their children’s lives. Aamir’s story shows what happens when they finally let go.

- Haziqa Lanker

Aamir was 15 when his parents realized they might be doing more harm than good.

He grew up in a remote village, a place where love often disguises itself as fear. His parents were warm, protective and deeply involved in every aspect of his life. They made his daily schedule, decided who he could meet, often escorted him to school, and kept a close watch on his moods, grades and routines.

In a region marred by strife and uncertainty, their approach felt like the safest way to raise a child.

But Aamir had begun to shrink. He struggled to make small decisions. He relied on his parents for everything, from picking out his clothes to choosing friends. He rarely spoke up in class. When things didn’t go his way, he would become overwhelmed, unsure how to cope without immediate help. His world was secure, but narrow.