Featured Post from University of Mary Washington

Helping or Hovering? The Effects of Helicopter Parenting on College Students’ Well-Being

Aug 15, 2018

1 min

Holly Schiffrin

Want to help your child succeed in college?


Resist the urge to hover.


“Ask how classes are going, let them know that you love and support them, but let them take the lead on how much information to share,” says helicopter parenting expert Holly Schiffrin. “It’s not your job to remind your child to complete assignments, help them with their work or try to resolve their roommate issues for them.”


A developmental psychologist, Dr. Schiffrin has conducted extensive research on helicopter parenting and achieving happiness. Her works have appeared in such scholarly publications as the Journal of Child and Family Studies and the Journal of Happiness Studies. She is co-author of Balancing the Big Stuff: Finding Happiness in Work, Family and Life and has co-authored a chapter in Intensive Mothering: The Cultural Contradictions of Modern Motherhood.


“The biggest gift parents can give their children is the opportunity to make their own decisions,” says Dr. Shiffrin. “Parents who “help” their children too much stress themselves out and leave their kids ill-prepared to be adults.”


Dr. Schiffrin is available to speak with media regarding this topic. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.


Source:


Connect with:
Holly Schiffrin

Holly Schiffrin

Professor

Dr. Schiffrin is an internationally known expert on intensive and helicopter parenting.

Emerging AdulthoodHelicopter ParentingPositive PsychologyInfant and Child DevelopmentIntensive Parenting

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from University of Mary Washington

1 min

Election Watch 2025: Farnsworth Breaks Down Virginia’s Political Landscape

With early voting setting new records and national politics reshaping local elections, Professor Stephen Farnsworth is helping journalists and voters make sense of the noise. As director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, Farnsworth continues to be a go-to expert across major outlets. In just the past few weeks, he’s been featured in: • NBC Washington • WAMU • Yahoo News • Richmond Times-Dispatch • DC News Now • Virginia Mercury Farnsworth has weighed in on everything from Kamala Harris’ rising prospects to the effects of Trump’s policies on rural Virginia. Whether he’s speaking to the League of Women Voters or breaking down the numbers for DC news outlets, Farnsworth brings clarity to the chaos. For journalists covering Virginia politics and U.S. elections, Farnsworth is a key source of insight. Click on the icon below to connect with: Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs; Director, Center for Leadership and Media Studies Expertise: Virginia politics, media and messaging, U.S. elections, disinformation.

1 min

From Johnny Carson to Campaign Debates – Farnsworth Brings Politics to the Public

Professor Stephen Farnsworth isn’t just analyzing politics, he’s shaping the conversation. Whether moderating congressional debates or exploring the political power of humor, he brings sharp insight and historical context to national audiences. As a professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, Farnsworth recently moderated two high-profile congressional debates in Virginia’s 7th and 10th districts — both aired on C-SPAN (2024 7th District Debate; 2022 10th District Forum). He’s also delivered public lectures for UMW’s Great Lives series, using figures like Johnny Carson and Charlie Chaplin to trace the role of humor in shaping American political identity. Watch the full talks: Johnny Carson and Political Humor, and Charlie Chaplin. These public-facing programs reflect his broader mission: helping voters, students, and media audiences understand how politics works — and why it matters. Click the icon below to connect with: Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs; Director, Center for Leadership and Media Studies. Expertise: Political communication, presidential humor, Virginia elections, public engagement.

1 min

With Russia’s War in Ukraine, Aeroflot Faces Unfriendly Skies

As Russia’s resurgent global influence grows—from social media influencing to anti-Western alliances—Steven E. Harris’s expertise in modern Russian and European history has become increasingly sought-after. Harris provides expert analysis on Russia’s political economy during its war of aggression against Ukraine and how the country seeks to reshape geopolitics and achieve expansionist goals. Focusing on Russian aviation, Harris explains how Putin’s regime has adapted to Western sanctions and how Russia’s airlines and aerospace industry are evolving in an era of global economic nationalism. Below are two important pieces authored by Harris that were posted by the Jordan Center for the Advanced Study of Russia at NYU. This blog post reflects on the historical significance of the sudden rupture in global aviation that took place after Russia invaded Ukraine, focusing on Russia and the US in particular.... Yesterday's post addressed the new cold war in the skies, which has divided the West from Russia as a consequence of Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Sanctions against Russia’s aviation sector... As the war between Russia and Ukraine stretches toward its third year - there are more and more angles and narratives to cover. And if you're a journalist looking to know more or have questions for a story - experts like Steven. E. Harris are here to help. He's available to speak with reporters - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

View all posts
Powered by