Helicopter Parents

Helicopter parents seem to have a lot of energy to manage their adult students' lives at college.

"Helicopter parents" was coined by Foster Cline and Jim Fay, the authors of "Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility." The term "helicopter parents" refers to a parenting style where the parents "hover" like a helicopter over their children, becoming too involved in their lives to the extent that they interfere with issues like college admission and job interviews.

I bet that college's parent association would appreciate some of that energy. From what I gather from looking at the websites of various college and universities, they would provide a great heliport for them to land on and work, not only for their students, but actually benefit others, too.

You can find them by checking out the college's website or Student Services Department to find out the contact information. Some are connected with the alumni associations. Unfortunately, there are a number of colleges and universities that do not have a parents association of council. Maybe you can help them start one.

While looking for material to add to this lens, I've started to come across several terms related to "Helicopter Parents" and would like to share them with you.

Blackhawk Moms "These are the ladies (and sometimes men) who attempt to remake the terrain so that it works better for their child to succeed, regardless of the consequences for anyone else." (Posted to Parent to Parent - Timesunion.com Blog - By Jennifer Gish, Staff writer)

Jet-Fighter "This year's term is `jet-fighter,'' when helicopter parents become even more aggressive." (Posted to Parents also receive post-secondary orientation. - By Andrea Sands, Canwest News Service)

Parent Bouncers "The University of Vermont has employed `parent bouncers,' students trained to redirect adults who try to attend their children's sessions." (Posted to Parents also receive post-secondary orientation. - By Andrea Sands, Canwest News Service)

Satellite Parent "I am happy to say that I think that we were not "helicopter" parents (maybe we were "satellite" parents - we kept an eye on the whole thing, but tried not to hover)" (Posted to Helicopter Parenting - Wings and Roots » Blog Archive »)

Snowplow Parents "snowplow parents for trying to clear a path for their kids" (Posted to Parents also receive post-secondary orientation. - By Andrea Sands, Canwest News Service)
snowplow parents for trying to clear a path for their kids

Stealth Bomber Parents Those who hover excessively over their children's lives.

Submarine Parent "My job as a parent is to have fun with my daughters while letting them explore and learn natural consequences." (Posted to Forget the Helicopter Parents. be a Submarine Parent! - Parents Hut)

Trophy Kids "The generation graduating from high school and college now is/are called 'Trophy Kids' and their helicopter parents are still hovering, making sure everything is going well for them." (comment posted to We have gone soft - or lost our perspective - Broncos Forums)

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