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

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

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

The economy was sinking, crime was spiking, nuclear war was plausible, divorce rates were soaring and helicopter parenting was anomalous.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 2020