While I agree that childhood years are about self discovery and growth, this does not necessarily mean that so called “helicopter parenting” will suffocate a child and hinder their ability to become and independent individual. Yes, every child “wants freedom”- but in reality, if parents truly “backed off” and allowed children to do whatever they wanted with very little boundaries, children are very likely to feel less supported and well cared for. Kids should be able to grow up with a sense of security, knowing that their parents will always protect and be there for them when needed. How can children feel this way if parents don’t set boundaries and make decisions for the sole purpose of protecting them? Parent’s aren’t being “selfish” by trying to enforce rules for their children. They are just doing their job of helping their child grow up into a responsible, independent human being. Think about it like this: would you let your dog just wonder off into the streets having had no prior exposure to the world just so that he could have some "freedom"? No of course not, that would make you a terrible dog owner. Your dog might get run over by a car or have no idea how to make it's way home, and the blame would be entirely on you. Because you love and care for your dog, of course you wouldn't let it run off into the world without first enforcing strict rules, like having your dog on a leash. The same goes for parenting: of course you must enforce strict rules and make some hard decisions for your child before you can just send them off into the world all by themselves.That doesn't make you a terrible parent, it just makes you a loving and responsible one!

Additionally, who is more likely to be successful in the future? In my experience, the kids who have “helicopter parents” are the ones who reach their full potential in school and and make good decisions in their life while those who have lax parents who don’t have heavy interference in their children’s lives are the ones who do not have clearly defined goals or a good sense of self. In addition, the children who have parents with little control over their life decisions are also the ones who feel lonely and less loved, leading to some feelings of depression and isolation. Therefore, I truly believe that so called "helicopter parenting" is essential and the best way to bring up a child into a responsible, well cared for and successful individual.

While I agree that childhood years are about self discovery and growth, this does not necessarily mean that so called “helicopter parenting” will suffocate a child and hinder their ability to become and independent individual. Yes, every child “wants freedom”- but in reality, if parents truly “backed off” and allowed children to do whatever they wanted with very little boundaries, children are very likely to feel less supported and well cared for. Kids should be able to grow up with a sense of security, knowing that their parents will always protect and be there for them when needed. How can children feel this way if parents don’t set boundaries and make decisions for the sole purpose of protecting them? Parent’s aren’t being “selfish” by trying to enforce rules for their children. They are just doing their job of helping their child grow up into a responsible, independent human being. Think about it like this: would you let your dog just wonder off into the streets having had no prior exposure to the world just so that he could have some "freedom"? No of course not, that would make you a terrible dog owner. Your dog might get run over by a car or have no idea how to make it's way home, and the blame would be entirely on you. Because you love and care for your dog, of course you wouldn't let it run off into the world without first enforcing strict rules, like having your dog on a leash. The same goes for parenting: of course you must enforce strict rules and make some hard decisions for your child before you can just send them off into the world all by themselves.That doesn't make you a terrible parent, it just makes you a loving and responsible one!

Additionally, who is more likely to be successful in the future? In my experience, the kids who have “helicopter parents” are the ones who reach their full potential in school and and make good decisions in their life while those who have lax parents who don’t have heavy interference in their children’s lives are the ones who do not have clearly defined goals or a good sense of self.

While I agree that childhood years are about self discovery and growth, this does not necessarily mean that so called “helicopter parenting” will suffocate a child and hinder their ability to become and independent individual. Yes, every child “wants freedom”- but in reality, if parents truly “backed off” and allowed children to do whatever they wanted with very little boundaries, children are very likely to feel less supported and well cared for. Kids should be able to grow up with a sense of security, knowing that their parents will always protect and be there for them when needed. How can children feel this way if parents don’t set boundaries and make decisions for the sole purpose of protecting them? Parent’s aren’t being “selfish” by trying to enforce rules for their children. They are just doing their job of helping their child grow up into a responsible, independent human being.

Additionally, who is more likely to be successful in the future? In my experience, the kids who have “helicopter parents” are the ones who reach their full potential in school and and make good decisions in their life while those who have lax parents who don’t have heavy interference in their children’s lives are the ones who do not have clearly defined goals or a good sense of self.