Hellobee Boards

Only about injury or grave harm, otherwise I'm totally about benign neglect, but I do know some parents who feel the need to entertain their kids every waking moment. I think children are actually more creative and engaged when they are playing on their own

@Andrea: what is a helicopter parent?

@Andrea: @mrbee: Ooo thanks!

I'm not a parent yet but I can testify that my mom was definitely not one yet my MIL was and is definitely one. Hub's younger brother is 23 and she still hovers.... (ie. micromanaging his life, calling me or hubs to check facts/stories). But at the same time, he is completely dependent on his parents and struggles to live a independent life. It drives me nuts!

I so intend to avoid being one of those at all costs. To be honest I think the media is responsible for a lot of it - the sensationalist approach has us all thinking there's a paedophile kiddie-snatcher hiding behind every tree. It's really sad how little freedom kids get now compared to when we were little. I know my SIL's mostly are - the oldest nephew on DH's side - first grandchild for his parents - is so mollycoddled and spoiled, you can't talk there in case he wants to speak, he can't be chastised for anything - I know that's more spoiling than heliparenting, but they often go together.

I'm absolutely not one! I'm careful with LO but now that she's super mobile and learning things, she might topple over and I don't panic - she'll learn! I don't want my kids to be afraid of everything - I want them to learn through experience.

I don't think I am one. When my LO was younger, I used to carry him/wear him all the time. But now that he's a toddler, I feel myself wanting him to explore and wander off a little on his own.

I'm definitely not one because I learned long ago that whether or not I hover, he still gets injured! Plus he's so independent. I usually sit nearby while he runs back and forth and plays on his own. In fact, I'm doing that right now