Is helicoptering making kids less able to socially adapt to new situations?

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by Mevara

What's wrong with shows like Modern Family, Glee, American Idol (and the likes)?

Depending on the age of the child, some parents may not be comfortable with some of the more adult content or language of these shows.

(And I just have to say, I think my wife and I are two of the only people in America who have tried a number of times to watch Modern Family and find just it boring and very un-funny.)

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

I disagree. The Disney Channel is full of shows with sassy teens/pre-teens who mouth off to parents and teachers, do whatever they want, and NEVER get in trouble.

True. I was thinking more in terms of the lack of inappropriate content, but this is definitely one of the (many) downsides of Disney Channel shows.

Meanwhile, for a good look at why kids don't play (and free play) outdoors as much anymore, I highly recommend Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder. (And since I think I remember a discussion about this book before on GC, I'll just go ahead and say: No the author isn't creating a new diagnosis called Nature Deficit Disorder. It's just a handy way of making a point.)