How to Avoid Being a Helicopter Parent

Consider these two situations as a parent: Your son is in bedroom with the door closed, should you barge in without knocking? Your daughter left her cell phone as she rushed to school, should you as a parent peek at her text messages? These are definitely not easy questions to answer by any parent, because on the one hand, it is your responsibility to know what is going on in the life of your adolescent child and where you are informed of any unacceptable behavior, you have a duty to keep your child safe by guiding him along the right path.

If this responsibility is not properly managed, parents risk being Helicopter parents, hovering endlessly over the lives of their children, monitoring their every move.  To strike a balance and to avoid being a fatigued Helicopter parent, the following guidelines are helpful;

 Recognize that an adolescent’s desire for privacy.

Parents need to recognize the fact that the adolescent’s desire does not always spell trouble. Often, it is a normal part of growth. Privacy helps adolescents test their wings as they forge their own friendships and think through their problems using their own power of reason. 

 Realize that attempts to micromanage your child breeds rebellion

This again does not mean you should sit back and allow them the freedom to do anything they want. You are still the parent who must give guidance all the time. Parents should remember that guidance is more important than surveillance.

 Discuss the matter with your adolescent

Listen to his/her concerns. Let your adolescent know that you will allow him/her a measure of privacy as long as your trust is not betrayed. Outline the consequences of disobedience and follow through if it becomes necessary. Give your adolescent some privacy without relinquishing your parental role.

 Observing the above guidelines will save the trouble of being a helicopter parent.