What Kind of Parent are You?

I recently saw an article in the Boston Globe that talked about the benefits of Helicopter Parenting. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, a study done at Indiana University, When Parents Hover: Student Engagement and Helicopter Parents, found that college “students with highly involved parents outperformed their peers in engaging more frequently in many areas including deep learning activities. They also reported greater educational gains and were more satisfied.”

The study done by IU analyzed parental involvement and communication as indicators of helicopter parenting. Those factors, if not taken to the extreme, seem to me to indicate a positive parenting style. However, when I think of the term “helicopter parenting”, I think of those parents who hover so closely that they prevent children from experiencing any failure or making any decision. I don’t want to be that kind of parent. Instead, I think we need a new term for caring parents who teach kids the skills they need and leave the lines of communication open. I think of myself as more of an umbrella parent — providing support to help my kids navigate through the imminent storms of life.

Are you looking for an environment where you can discuss the blessings and burdens of having a gifted child? Are you looking for parenting suggestions and support led by trained facilitators?
Join our next SENG Parenting Discussion Group. Space is limited, so register quickly. Open to CGA members only.