What it is: Helicopter parenting is probably the type of parenting style you've heard referenced most often when referring to overbearing caregivers. "Helicopter parenting is a style of parenting characterized by excessive involvement and overprotection of children," marriage and family therapist Alisa Ruby Bash tells PS. This type of parent typically wants to be clued into every action and choice their little one makes, rarely letting them out of their sight to make their own decisions.
Why parents do it: It comes from a place of love and wanting to keep your child healthy and safe. But extreme hovering can actually do damage to your child's developments and ability to make their own decisions.
What research says: A 2013 article in the Journal of Child and Family Studies suggests the negative effects of helicopter parenting are similar to those of lawn mower parents, including higher levels of anxiety and depression. What's more, researchers also found that children of helicopter parents "may be less able to deal with the challenging demands of growing up," per the American Psychological Association.
