B2 – Upper Intermediate
Parenting plays a significant role in shaping a child’s development, confidence, and independence. While parents naturally want to protect their children from harm and ensure their success, excessive involvement can sometimes prevent children from learning how to handle challenges and make decisions on their own.
One parenting style that highlights this concern is helicopter parenting, which involves being overly protective and closely monitoring a child’s activities and decisions. Understanding its causes, effects, and potential drawbacks can help parents find a healthy balance between providing guidance and allowing their children the freedom to grow and develop essential life skills.
Read on to better understand helicopter parenting.
https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/what-is-helicopter-parenting
Vocabulary Questions:
- Differentiate “helicopter parenting“, “lawnmower parenting,” “cosseting parenting,” and “bulldoze parenting“. “The term “helicopter parent” was first used in Dr. Haim Ginott’s 1969 book Between Parent and Teenager. A teen featured in the book reported that his mother watched over him like a helicopter. Similar terms include “lawnmower parenting,” “cosseting parenting,” or “bulldoze parenting.” Use each term in a sentence.
- What does “to shadow someone” mean? “In toddlerhood, a helicopter parent might constantly shadow the child, always playing with and directing his behavior, allowing him zero alone time.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “botched” mean? “Parents might fear their child’s rejection from the sports team or a botched job interview—especially if they feel they could’ve done more to help.” Use it in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Share your thoughts about helicopter parenting.
- Where should parents draw the line between protecting their children and giving them independence?
- Do you think parents today are more protective than parents in the past? Why or why not?
- Do you think helicopter parenting is common in your country? Talk about it.
- Do you think there is such a thing as loving a child too much? Share your insights regarding this.