Well, I enjoy it when parents come on GC seeking info and sharing their feelings about their children and what they are going through. But I draw the line when parents start referring to what is happening to their child as if it were happening to them. For instance last year there was a mom who referred to her daughters rush as 'our rush' and repeatedly used the term 'we' and 'I' when she should have been using 'she' and 'her'.
Helicopter Mom -v- Regular Mom
A Helicopter Mom:- Decides her daughter should rush
- Is present during rush to make sure daughters hair and makeup are fresh (yes, it happened...not at Auburn)
- Is more upset by who cut daughter/son than by who wants them
- Says critical things trying to analyze why cuts happened
- Compares her daughter/son to other young adults
- Is competitive with other young adults for the sake of their child.
A Regular Mom:- Supports childs decision to rush or not
- Passes on leads for recs to her child
- Advises on outfits if asked
- Is a sounding board during rush, but not actually present
- Tries to get child to see the bright side when facing cuts.
- Never gives the child the impression that the cuts were the result of something they did/did not do
- Knows that every child is unique and will have unique experiences in rush and in life
- Allows their child to have disappointments, but is there to support them when they do.
Having said that....
I love cooking for and doing laundry for my daughter when she comes home, I can't help it!
I don't think this makes me a helicopter parent though because she does her own laundry 99% of the time!