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

Derived Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of helicopter parenting

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

Example Sentences

She criticizes helicopter parenting, decries remote work and tells women they should be willing to “piss people off” in order to be good leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

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

From BBC • May 7, 2024

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

From New York Times • Apr. 25, 2024

And while most parents agree that kids benefit from opportunities to be independent, they may be engaging in more "helicopter parenting" than they realize, suggests a new University of Michigan Health C.S.

From Science Daily • Oct. 16, 2023

“Eighth Grade” never feels like a simplistic broadside against technology, bullying, helicopter parenting or any other issues of the week.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2018