I’m sure you’ve heard that derogatory term, the helicopter parent. And I’m sure you’ve read how horrible and damaging it is to be a helicopter parent but frankly, I don’t much care. I’m embracing and celebrating my hovering, helicoptering ways. Why?
Because so far, it’s working. And as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
My daughter loves her parents, enjoys schools, is inquisitive, thoughtful and kind, volunteers, learns languages, says Please and Thank You and is whip smart. So you can kiss my hovering ass if you think I’m not doing it right.
So you can kiss my hovering ass if you think I’m over protective.
There’s free range parenting”? No thank you; she’s a child, not a chicken.
There’s the “Call me when you get arrested” parenting style. (Also known as, don’t call while Judge Judy’s on.)
Then there’s old school Seventies Mom parenting. You know, the cool mom. I could channel my mom, smoking pot in the living room with me, dating my boyfriends, and suggesting I drop out at sixteen.
NO THANK YOU.
So that leaves me with my choice. Helicoptering my daughter’s into adulthood, not such a bad choice if you think of the alternatives.
She knows I’m nearby if she needs me. She knows I’ll be there for her. She knows she’s cared for, valued and loved. Is that such a bad way for a child to grow up?
Yes, I could be more lenient and let her walk home alone, or roam around the neighborhood till dark. But people this is 2017, I live in Los Angeles, and I watch the news people. I don’t let my dogs out after dark alone so why would I trust this often f’d up world with my child.
Maybe once she’s 16, I’ll change my mind and loosen up, but until then, I’ll be driving her to school events. Checking in with her on her phone. And keeping tabs on her.
Paranoid? Overprotective? Absolutely. But my job is to deliver her to adulthood as best as I can. And if that means via helicoptering, let the hovering begin.
And if that means dropping her off by helicopter, let the hovering begin.
Are you a helicopter parent too? Would love to hear how you’re choosing to parent.