helicopter parenting

noun

Informal.

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

helicopter parent noun
helicopter mom helicopter mother noun
helicopter dad helicopter father noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of helicopter parenting¹

First recorded in 1985–90; so called because such a parent “hovers” like a helicopter

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

For instance, in Season 2, we see Ellie trying to establish her independence and get away from Joel’s helicopter parenting.

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But in “English Teacher,” Enrico Colantoni plays Grant Moretti, a walking ulcer of a school principal who somehow manages to handle all the helicopter parenting, feuding students, budget cuts and everything else that’s thrown at him.

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The helicopter parenting on show is largely a symptom of the smartphone era.

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In “The Coddling of the American Mind,” Haidt took a hard stand against helicopter parenting.

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Is it helicopter parenting or common sense?

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helicopter parent helicopter view

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