5 Easy ways to avoid helicopter parenting [No. 3 is the easiest to follow]

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By Fatima Virrey , Parent Herald Jul 20, 10:12 am

Photo: (Photo : Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr. from Pexels)

In 1969, there were teens in the book of Dr. Haim Ginott that described their parents as helicopters who would hover over their kids. Because of this, the term "helicopter parent" was first used.

Experts say that helicopter parenting is a style where parents focus so much on their children.

At some point, this causes parents to become overcontrolling, overprotecting, and over perfecting.

Studies have proven that helicopter parenting has positive and negative effects.

When helicopter parents start to lose perspective on why they want to engage in their children's lives, that is when helicopter parenting crosses over the negative effects.

To avoid this, here are some tips from experts:

1. Let the kids experience "normal risks."

Hovering over a child includes holding him or her back from the risks that they would experience. According to experts, it would be best if children feel discomfort or pain, as this is part of growing up.

Teaching kids independence will not be effective unless parents will always do things for their children.

2. Do not label the kids.

It is evident that at some point, kids will show a distinct characteristic that his or her siblings do not have. However, this does not mean that it is okay to label them as such. For example, saying that one of the kids is "the lazy one," or "the pretty one," can create a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Experts say that words are powerful, so defining your children today might limit who they will become. In helicopter parenting, this is what parents do, and they tend to dictate what their children can or cannot do.

No one knows what your children will become, so allowing yourself to think of all the possibilities can be helpful.

3. Let go of negative thoughts.

Helicopter parenting happens because parents tend to worry about their child's future. It is undeniable that parents would only want the best for their children.

Again, no one knows what the future holds. So as early as possible, let go of the negative thoughts. Trying to confirm the worst fears about your child's future can only make you worried.

4. Do not make everything look personal.

A child can have his or her thoughts, shutting all of these down can only make things worse. When children choose to do a different thing, it does not necessarily mean that they hate you. By letting children hear their thoughts, you are also encouraging them to communicate with you.

5. Give children time to solve their problems.

When something goes wrong, parents should not always come to rescue their children. Give kids time to think of ways on how they can solve their problems on their own.

If the situation gets worse, and children can acknowledge it, then they will ask for their parents' help. That is the perfect time for parents to intervene and help.