Mom, dad, take it easy!

Helicopter parenting — a term used for overcontrolling behaviour of parents — can negatively affect children’s ability to manage their emotions and deal with the challenging demands of growing up, a study has found. 

Children need space to learn and grow on their own, without parents hovering over them, researchers said in a study published in the journal Developmental Psychology. “Our research showed that children with helicopter parents may be less able to deal with the challenging demands of growing up, especially with navigating the complex school environment,” said Nicole B Perry from the University of Minnesota in the US. “Children who cannot regulate their emotions and behaviour effectively are more likely to act out in the classroom and have a harder time making friends.”  “Managing emotions and behaviour are fundamental skills that all children need to learn and overcontrolling parenting can limit those opportunities,” said Perry. The researchers followed 422 children over the course of eight years.  —PTI