Page 34 - Intra Muros April 2024

TODAYS CHILD

HELICOPTER, AIR-FRYER, OR

LIGHTHOUSE PARENTS

By Dr Ilse Ruane

he transition from primary school with tasks they can do alone. (for instance, At the bottom of this is the parent’s
to teenage years can often be the calling a teacher about poor marks, fear that they could have done more
Tmost challenging shift in parenting. arranging doctors’ notes for missed tests, to help. However, parents try to
It marks a significant shift in control and arranging a class timetable, or managing prevent many consequences, such as
in how children respond to it. Although exercise habits). unhappiness, struggle, not excelling,
we are cognisant that our child’s needs working hard, and no guaranteed
are changing, and therefore our parenting Helicopter parenting can develop for results, they are great teachers for
style also needs to change, it remains many reasons, but there are two common children and are not life-threatening. It
challenging. The reality is that parents triggers. just feels that way as worry can drive
will eventually reach a point where they • Fear of consequences: Parents might parents to take control, believing that
no longer have control over what their fear their child’s rejection from the they can keep their child from ever
children do, where they go, and who they sports team or a botched job interview. being hurt or disappointed.
spend their time with.

THE “HELICOPTER PARENT”
Helicopter parenting is a colloquial term
that refers to overprotective parenting
and overparenting. It refers to a style
of parenting where parents are highly
involved in their child’s life. Their focus
can negatively impact a child’s mental
health, self-image, coping skills, and more.
Helicopter parenting most often applies
to parents who help high school students

32 | INTRAMUROS APRIL 2024