Analysis Of Helicopter Parenting By Cline And Fay

Major Policy Brief Jessica McNay, 214 236 246 Executive Summary: Helicopter parenting, first introduced by Cline and Fay in their 1990 parenting book series, refers to overly protective and involved parents, who overly involve themselves in their children’s lives with behaviours including constant communication, intervention into children’s affairs, taking control of decision making, personally investing themselves in their children’s goals and the removal of any obstacles that their children may encounter. Studies have shown that this parenting style is most prevalent amongst the millennial generation, with approximately 60-70% of college students reporting that their parents exhibit at least some of the hovering tendencies (Odenweller, Booth-Butterfield Weber, 2014). This Policy Brief presents current and relevant research findings surrounding Helicopter parenting or over-parenting and the implications that this parenting style may have on both the child and the parents. The main focus of this brief is the effect that over-parenting can have on the experiences and development of children throughout the lifespan. Importance of Issue: Over-parenting, also known as helicopter parenting, involves the implementation of inappropriate levels of parental control. This may include problem-solving, monitoring, directiveness, tangible assistance and overall involvement in their children’s lives (Segrin, Woszildo, Givertz Montgomery, 2013). According to a number of