What defines a helicopter parent?

[SWTXBelle]

When I was teaching 8, 10 and 12th grade I had a rule. I would re-check your test or paper on request, but if I did so, you got the new grade, be it higher or lower. (I would often raise a grade in the initial grading for a student who was borderline but contributed to class, but I don't lower grades. You get what you earn.) I remember re-checking a test - the student got a lower grade. He was shocked - "Are you going to give me the lower grade?" Well, yes. I told you I would give you the correct grade, be it higher or lower. Explaining why a grade was given ( and how to improve ) I had no problem with - I'd happily go over it with a student so he/she could avoid the same mistakes later.
English grading is very subjective. It is more than just following the directions - doing that will get you a "C" for average in my class. However, if I had a student who went from A work to D, I would double-check that paper as a matter of course. That said, if I gave it a D, it would stay a D, no matter who wanted to recheck it or give me pressure. And I would be far more likely to respect an 8th grader who didn't understand why a paper was graded the way it was than a parent who called to complain. I really hated the parents who wanted me to give their children extra credit. I had an extra credit assignment every 6 weeks - your student can do the same one everyone else does. No special assignments for your special snowflake.

Actual conversation from my first year teaching High School.

Lee - "You gave (eta - I hate that. I didn't "give" you a grade - you earned it.) me a C! Do you know who I am?"

Me - "Yes, you are that student who earned a C on his paper."

At least he came to discuss his grade on his own, and didn't sic mommy and daddy on me!

eta - and I'm just commented on general helicoptering - not making a comment about the previous poster's parents. I don't have enough facts to say anything, other than I also think perhaps it was a missed learning moment.