Are You a Helicopter Parent?

You've heard of them. They're in constant contact with their children and make most of the big decisions for them. And when things get tough, they're all too ready to take their children's side and fight their battles for them.

They're the ever-hovering helicopter parents. Helicopter parenting can have negative effects for all involved, especially maturing teenagers who need and are eager for greater independence. It's only natural to want to help your child, but helping your child become an independent adult is perhaps the most important and difficult thing you can do.

With that in mind, don't hesitate to involve yourself in certain areas of your child's life. One area in which your child will probably welcome your participation is the search for and application to colleges. In fact, a recent national survey of college-bound high school seniors, conducted by the College Board and the Art & Science Group, shows that these students wish their parents were more involved in the college search and application process.

How can you strike a healthy balance? Think of yourself as a coach. You're there to provide structure, give advice, and serve as a role model, but it's your child who needs to step up to the plate. Instead of keeping track of college application deadlines yourself, for example, work as a team to set up a calendar or weekly planner and let your child take charge of meeting those deadlines. You can also help by sharing your own strategies for staying organized.