helicopter parenting

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicopter parenting¹

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.

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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.

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

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

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Is it helicopter parenting or common sense?

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