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

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.

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