Neil Montgomery’s recent survey of college freshmen nationwide found that students with helicopter parents were “less open to new ideas and actions and more vulnerable, anxious, and self-conscious.” These students were also more likely to be medicated for anxiety or depression. Thirteen percent of freshmen reported that their parents “frequently intervened on their behalf to help them solve problems they were having at the college” (Nelson, p. In a recent survey carried out by the American College Health Association, 84% of college students felt overwhelmed by responsibilities. Research indicates that young people with overinvolved parents report higher levels of depression/anxiety, decreased satisfaction with their lives and poor social and coping skill. Depriving children of problem solving practice and spontaneous exploration while directing their every move can lead to mental health problems. But taking the traditional approach of standing at the front of the classroom and telling students what they need to know isn’t always the. As a teacher, you’re expected to take responsibility for your students’ learning, helping them gain new knowledge and reach academic goals. Faced with uncertainly and adversity, they can pull from within. A hands-off approach can be an effective teaching strategy. Those given time, space, freedom and autonomy develop a deeply personal method of dealing with challenges as well as true competence. While a helicopter parent may tell you his or her motivation is protecting his child, the investigative book NutureShock reveals that it's usually about protecting the parent from the “harrowing business of letting go.” Psychoanalysts have suggested that parents with narcissistic injury bred from not having achieved what they might have, can pressure offspring to provide the prestigious bumper sticker. A hands-off milieu is a great way to foster such independence. Autonomy is crucial for success in both work and love. Self-reliance is a great, if not essential asset. To make it in the real world, they need the internal skills to find their way. By eschewing downtime and increasing adult-directed structured activity, we take away their ability to develop internal resources. Wendy Mogel, “Well-intentioned parents metabolizing their anxiety for them.” By taking on their discomforts we deprive them of opportunities to develop problem solving ability. As helicopter parents, we hope to help our children achieve heights, psychologically as well as practically.
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