A first-of-its-kind study out of Keene State College in New Hampshire has found an association between “helicopter” parents and anxious, self-conscious kids. The researchers asked 300 college freshmen about their relationships with their parents. About 10 percent of the kids were found to have helicopter parents.
Students with helicopter parents tended to be less open to new ideas and actions, as well as more vulnerable, anxious and self-consciousness [sic], among other factors, compared with their counterparts. …
While the findings are only preliminary, and more studies are needed to back up the results, they suggest this type of over-parenting might lead to children who are ultimately not ready to leave the nest. [Source: Live Science]
Neil Montgomery, lead researcher and psychologist said that, though his team found an association between helicopter parenting and under-prepared kids, they have yet to establish a cause-and-effect relationship. The association, however, was enough for him to encourage parents to take a step back and let their kids develop some independence.
Labels: parental influence, helicopter_parenting, anxiety
Posted By: Aspen Education Group