helicopter parenting

noun

, Informal.

1. 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.

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of helicopter parenting¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

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

From New York Times

Is it helicopter parenting or common sense?

From Los Angeles Times

At first blush, the idea that parents of adult college students would hire a private security force to patrol areas around the campus of a public university seems like the ne plus ultra of helicopter parenting.

From Los Angeles Times