Parenting or Puppeteering?

Image generated with the help of chatgpt

Introduction

Helicopter parenting simply means highly involved parenting or overprotective parenting.

Most times, helicopter parenting wishes well for the child, but we should all know by now that there are pros and cons to everything in life; therefore, we always need a balance.

---

My experience

I am not a parent, and I can't know firsthand what it feels like to be a parent until I become one. But I have been a child, and for me, the best way to balance parenting is not to push or force it.

You see, a child doesn't want you in a conversation or a decision, and you know very well it is not essential for you to be a part of it, then you leave that choice to the child.

I, for one, have experienced helicopter parenting all my life, and I won't say it affected me negatively that much. To be honest, when I finally left my parents for university, I found it hard to make independent decisions.
There was a time when I struggled, and I had a fear of making decisions because I was scared of the consequences. That was something I hadn't experienced so I found it very hard to face it.

But at least I am not a strong-headed child. My brother, lol. I can swear that my parents tried their best to control his life, but the harder they push, the harder he puts up resistance.
He isn't the only one tugging against the strings of my dad. My sister also is, and it has pushed her to make very bad decisions that are still affecting her.

When you give a child space and decision-making privileges, you don't just give that child experience but also build trust. I read somewhere that the best way to gain trust is to trust in return.

---

The Pros might be tempting

I get that helicopter parenting provides:

1. A sense of security and ensures children get guidance in key areas.

2. Also protecting children from harmful influences.

---

But are the cons really worth it?

I mean it has obvious cons like:

1. Limiting independence and decision-making skills.

2. Increases anxiety and fear of failure.

3. Strains parent-child relationships in the long run.

The answer is NO!, I think the cons aren't worth it.

---

Besides you can still get the pros by finding the right balance:

1. Encourage Independence: Allow children to make age-appropriate decisions.

2. Be a Guide, Not a Controller: Offer advice but let them learn from mistakes.

3. Teach Problem-Solving: Instead of fixing every problem, equip them with skills to handle challenges.

4. Set Boundaries Without Suffocation: Monitor but respect privacy and autonomy.

---

What I think and my conclusion

Well, my take on helicopter parenting isn't anything much. It's simple.
Just be a good friend to your kids. And take the responsibility of a parent where and when it is meant to be taken.

What's your take on helicopter parenting?

Me? I just pray to my God that being a good friend and parent would be enough to put my kids on the right path.
Because I have seen people do everything the right and perfect way but the result is nothing to write home about.