Helicopter parents... in the workplace

[ASTalumna06]

http://www.today.com/money/heres-car...ome-8C11147746

Here’s one way not to get ahead in your career: Have your parent lodge a complaint with human resources because your manager failed to give you a promotion.

Here’s another: Have your dad conduct a phone interview for you.
.........

“If you want to onboard quickly and you want to be a star right from the beginning, don’t bring your parents,”...

It's truly sad that the last statement I quoted isn't obvious to everyone.

And a "bring your parents to work day"? Seriously?

[WCsweet<3]

Originally Posted by ASTalumna06

And a "bring your parents to work day"? Seriously?

I was listening to NPR last week and they said that companies such as Intel have started to have "bring your parents to work day." I can't honestly imagine participating.

[Low D Flat]

As a single person, I would sometimes bring a parent to important work functions when married people were bringing a spouse. But that's definitely not what we're talking about here...

[PersistentDST]

I can't tell you how many parents call about their daughters/son Masters or PHD application. We can't disclose information to them and we politely suggest the (EXTRA GROWN) child calls us.

[lovespink88]

We hired a new girl and the week before she started she brought her dad with her to tour the agency. I found that odd.

[33girl]

I just don't get it. How are these kids not embarrassed as hell? Did they do some research in the past 20 years that bred out the "jeez, Mom, just leave me out of the car down the block and I'll walk the rest of the way" gene?

And this is coming from someone who was closer to and more sheltered by her parents than most people.

[StealthMode]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I just don't get it. How are these kids not embarrassed as hell? Did they do some research in the past 20 years that bred out the "jeez, Mom, just leave me out of the car down the block and I'll walk the rest of the way" gene?

And this is coming from someone who was closer to and more sheltered by her parents than most people.

Ditto. I would seriously die of embarrassment. Like no breathing, flat-lined, die of embarrassment. Not only is it humiliating but it's such a blow to the ego. The action very clearly says "I am agreeing to do this for you because I have absolutely NO confidence that you can succeed on your own." Knowing my parents thought I was that incompetent would break my heart.

However, I don't see anything wrong with a "bring your parent to work" day. I see it as no different than bringing your child or other relative to work to see what you do. Now, if your parents just insist on following you and looking over your shoulder...that's like those kids whose parents "drop them off" at day camp but actually just sit on the bench outside and don't leave.

[jenidallas]

I love what one of the TCU folks (Kay Higgins, Director of Parent and Family Programs) says to parents - "Are you going to come back and watch them every time they take an exam?"

I have always allowed the parents up to our offices at work (and I can only think of one 20-something I've hired in recent years who has not had mom and/or dad come by for a visit) - but most of them realize their snowflakes are in good hands at our workplace and leave it be after that.

I have only had one involve a parent in their job interviewing/negotiation. As it was for a sales position, we withdrew the offer. If you can't navigate your own job offer, how the heck can I expect you to negotiate with a client on your own?!

[Sciencewoman]

Well, the Navy has long held "Tiger Cruises," where parents, siblings, and kids over 8 board at the last port before the ship returns to home port (eg. board in Honolulu on the way back to home port in San Diego). I don't think anyone's accusing the sailors of being wimpy, overly dependent, etc. One of my fellow professors did this with his son, and he was really excited about it.

I see "bring your parent to work day" along these same lines. It's good PR and good for morale when people are excited to share where they work.

[DGTess]

Can someone tell me how this is different from watching every move they make during formal rush, and being heartbroken if they don't get the chapter they want?

[33girl]

Originally Posted by DGTess

Can someone tell me how this is different from watching every move they make during formal rush, and being heartbroken if they don't get the chapter they want?

It's not. It's just a little more ridiculous as college students are still kind of considered kids, but once you're out in the workplace, you should be an adult.