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

See Examples For:

helicopter parenting

You might see it as a form of helicopter parenting for adult children who frankly need “helicoptering.”

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 19, 2026

Sarah Miracle, a 42-year-old criminal and family attorney with an 8-year-old son who lives in Maryville, Tenn., claims she has seen an even more extreme consequence of helicopter parenting play out in court.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

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 ● Apr. 13, 2025

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