helicopter parenting

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a style of child rearing in which an overprotective mother or father discourages a child's independence by being too involved in the child's life.

   In typical helicopter parenting, a mother or father swoops in at any sign of challenge or discomfort.

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Other Word Forms

• helicopter dad noun
• helicopter father noun
• helicopter mom noun
• helicopter mother noun
• helicopter parent noun

Etymology

Origin of helicopter parenting

First recorded in 1985–90; so called because such a parent “hovers” like a helicopter

Example Sentences

For instance, in Season 2, we see Ellie trying to establish her independence and get away from Joel’s helicopter parenting.

From Los Angeles Times

But in “English Teacher,” Enrico Colantoni plays Grant Moretti, a walking ulcer of a school principal who somehow manages to handle all the helicopter parenting, feuding students, budget cuts and everything else that’s thrown at him.

From Los Angeles Times

The helicopter parenting on show is largely a symptom of the smartphone era.

From BBC

In “The Coddling of the American Mind,” Haidt took a hard stand against helicopter parenting.

From New York Times

Is it helicopter parenting or common sense?

From Los Angeles Times