Helicopter parenting has become increasingly common in recent years, and with it has come a host of consequences for college students. Helicopter parenting is a form of overparenting in which a parent takes an active role in their child’s life, including in decisions typically made by the child alone. Evryday Truth parenting involves being honest, consistent, and present in your parenting approach, as well as being open to learning and adapting to meet the changing needs of your children. While it can be well-intentioned, helicopter parenting can have a detrimental effect on college students’ academic and social development. The purpose of this blog post is to examine the possible consequences of helicopter parenting on college students’ self-sufficiency and independence. We will look into how helicopter parenting affects college students’ ability to cope with stress and handle adversity, as well as the long-term effects that helicopter parenting can have on students’ mental health. Ultimately, we will discuss ways that parents can adjust their parenting style to create a healthy balance of support and independence for their college-aged children.
- Lack of independence
One of the most significant consequences of helicopter parenting on college students is a lack of independence. College is typically the time when young adults gain their first real sense of autonomy. However, when helicopter parents are overly involved in their child’s life, they often take away from this important learning opportunity. College students who experience helicopter parenting are often too dependent on their parents for decision-making, financial support, and emotional validation. As a result, these young adults may struggle to assume responsibility for their lives and to develop a sense of personal identity.
- Inability to manage time
One of the drawbacks of helicopter parenting is that students may not have developed the skills needed to effectively manage their time and stay organized. In college, students are responsible for managing their own time, and those who have been overly guided by their parents may struggle to prioritize tasks and develop a system to keep track of their classes, assignments, and exams. Without this skill set, students may find it difficult to keep up with the pace of college, leading to academic stress and potential failure. Additionally, students may feel unprepared to handle the independence of college and overwhelmed when faced with having to make decisions without their parents’ input.
- Difficulty accepting failure
One of the potential consequences of helicopter parenting on college students is difficulty accepting failure. Helicopter parents often have a history of doing everything they can to ensure their children’s success, from getting them the best grades to getting them in the best schools. As a result, these students have difficulty dealing with failure. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed and may be unable to cope with the situation, leading to depression and anxiety. They may also find it more difficult to take risks and pursue their passions, leading to a lack of motivation and further difficulties in succeeding. By teaching their children how to accept failure, and using failure as a learning experience, helicopter parents can ensure their children will be better prepared to handle their failures in college.
- Fear of making decisions
One of the biggest consequences of helicopter parenting is fear of making decisions. This fear can be so overwhelming for a college student who is used to having their decisions made for them. Without the safety net of their parents to catch them if they make a mistake, they may become paralyzed with fear and be unable to make decisions. This fear of making decisions can lead to poor academic performance, as the student is unable to make decisions about their course load, or how to study. It may also lead to social and emotional difficulties, as the student is unable to make decisions about which activities to participate in, or how to form relationships with others. This fear of making decisions can have long-term consequences and can be a major barrier to success in college.
- Unpreparedness for college challenges
One of the most common consequences of helicopter parenting is unpreparedness for college challenges. Helicopter parenting can delay a student’s development of self-management skills, as they are accustomed to having their parents take care of everything. As a result, when they go to college, they are unable to handle the responsibilities the transition brings, such as managing their own time, making their own decisions, and setting their own priorities. This lack of independence can be a major shock to students and can lead to difficulty with academic performance. It can also lead to emotional problems, as college students can feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with their newfound independence.
- Low self-confidence
Helicopter parenting can lead to college students having low self-confidence. This is because the helicopter parenting style does not allow children to experience failure, which is necessary for them to develop the skills to problem solve and make decisions on their own. As a result, when college students are faced with a challenge, they are not used to dealing with it, as they have been used to having their parents be the ones to solve their problems. This can lead to them being less likely to take risks and being less confident in their decisions. They may also lack the ability to stand up for themselves and advocate for their own needs.
- Difficulty forming relationships
One of the most significant consequences of helicopter parenting on college students is difficulty forming relationships. Growing up with an overbearing parent who micromanaged every aspect of their lives leaves college students ill-equipped to handle the social aspects of college life. Since college is a time of increased independence, these students may have difficulty making decisions on their own and may be hesitant to reach out to others. As a result, college students who experience helicopter parenting may find it difficult to connect with peers, form friendships, and build relationships. This can have a big impact on the student’s experience in college, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Increased levels of anxiety
One of the most common consequences of helicopter parenting on college students is increased levels of anxiety. Helicopter parents tend to be heavily involved in their children’s lives, always hovering, and trying to make sure that everything goes perfectly. As a result, college students may feel a heightened level of anxiety in order to meet their parents’ expectations. This pressure can lead to a greater risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and even an inability to cope with failure. In some cases, college students may not be able to manage their own expectations since they have been conditioned by their parents to only strive for perfection. This can lead to a fear of failure and a lack of the confidence needed to succeed in college.
In conclusion, while helicopter parenting can have beneficial effects in the short-term, research suggests that it can have serious consequences for college students in the long-term. College students who are constantly monitored and sheltered from challenge and failure may find it difficult to effectively manage their own lives and responsibilities. Therefore, it is important for parents to find a balance between providing support and guidance and allowing their children the space to develop their own skills and independence.
