Quote:
Originally Posted by AlphaGamUGAAlum
(This is an issue I unfortunately have had ample opportunity to observe. What seems to happen is that the nutty ones, rather than being condemned for being the nut-job-offspring-cripplers they are, get what they want for their kids in the short term. Other parents then begin to wonder if their normal parenting is actually neglectful and begin to copy the helicopter style. Then the helicopters have to kick it up a notch even further to demonstrate their devoted parenting (because it is really about their fear of being inadequate rather than anything to do with the kid), and we're just in a terrible race to ruining a generation or two. We need to quit enabling the helicopters to mistake their over-involved yet dysfunctional parenting for good parenting. It can be as harmful or worse in result for the individual kids as neglectful parenting, and it's sure as heck worse for the rest of us.)
|
This is so true. Back in MY day, parents never set foot in a high school until graduation day or maybe attend a Science Fair or something. In grade school we had room mothers who baked cupcakes for birthdays, that's it. Nobody had Parent Teacher conferences. If your parents had to go to school for a conference, that was VERY VERY bad. If you were doing fine and not a problem, no need for a conference. I have been made to feel guilty by peer parents for not watching my son (when he was in HS) at every practice and game. It is HIS hobby, HIS sport, not mine. I don't make him watch me quilt for 2 hours a week which is my hobby. I attended 2 games a year just to show support but the other Mom's thought I was almost abusive for not going to the games. I had the entire team over for dinner senior year which is a lot more effort than sitting in bleachers! I watched D at her yearly dance recital but certainly didn't watch every practice (which other Mom's did as they had one way glass and chairs set up to watch the girls). I think we are way too obsessed with our kids today and that's why they turn into "boomarang kids" and move back home when they can't function in the real world.