What defines a helicopter parent?

[nikki1920]

Great article from CNN..

Go here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/famil...nts/index.html

Read the comment from the college professor. Are parents really doing that? Wow.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by nikki1920

Great article from CNN..

Go here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/famil...nts/index.html

Read the comment from the college professor. Are parents really doing that? Wow.

I lolled at the kids and parents who are gang-bangers. I assume that isn't in Mt Pleasant, PA. Don't you love when people make comments that have nothing to do w/ the article? (although the helicopter gangbanger mom sounds like the latest reality show on E!).

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by nikki1920

...
Read the comment from the college professor. Are parents really doing that? Wow.

Unfortunately, yes. And even more unfortunately, they're doing it more and more as time passes, and administrators at some universities are not doing enough to stop it.

I'm a huge supporter of FERPA, if for no other reason than it allows me to cite a policy when explaining why I won't discuss little angel's grades (or attendance, or class participation) with anyone other than little angel him/herself.

Really, it's getting out of hand. University administrators have better things to do than field calls and unannounced visits from unhappy parents. It's college, for crying out loud; let your child practice being an adult!

[AOII_LB93]

Originally Posted by SydneyK

Really, it's getting out of hand. University administrators have better things to do than field calls and unannounced visits from unhappy parents. It's college, for crying out loud; let your child practice being an adult!

Yes, yes, yes! I agree 100%. My friend who works at USC now hates heli-parents more than ever. She could regale us all with tales that would turn your toenails.

ETA Can we sticky this article in the recruitment section?

[AKA_Monet]

Here you go folks... I will be taking your checks today!!! LOL!!!

Helicopter Parents Have Landed: Dealing with Difficult Conversations
Audio Conference Price: $199.00

SUMMARY
Students are back on campus, accompanied by masses of parents who will be making their way into offices and classrooms at your university. How can you effectively manage helicopter parents on your campus, and what are the best ways to deal with their often difficult behavior? Join us for a live, 60-minute audio conference where you and your colleagues will discover:

• Tools to Manage College Parent Complaints, Frustrations & Conflict
  
• Checklist for Responding to the Most Difficult Parent Conversations
  
• How Faculty & Staff Should Handle an Increase in Parent Involvement
  
• Keys to Forge Partnerships with Parents & Families at Your College

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by 33girl

See, this is what absolutely slays me about this generation. Even if we had cell phones in my college days and even if I had consumed the equivalent of an entire brewery, I don't think I would EVER be sloshed enough to send my dad a drunk text. That concept is beyond baffling!!! The most I ever did was after college when I moved back home, I called them to let them know I was staying with a girlfriend - who was actually a boyfriend, and I'm pretty sure they knew this, but were fine with me not saying so (preferred it, I'm sure).

I know many a friend who accidentally drunk dialed their parents during school. It was always a good laugh. The drunk text, though, only came about at the tail end of college.

Originally Posted by nikki1920

Great article from CNN..

Go here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/famil...nts/index.html

Read the comment from the college professor. Are parents really doing that? Wow.

When I was an undergrad, I was in a meeting with a professor when he got a call from one of the student's parents. It was around paper time, and the parent wanted to know why their kid couldn't get an extra extension. It shocked the heck out of me, but the professor wasn't surprised. He had gotten several similar calls.

When I'm a parent, I hope to God I'm never like that.