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Helicoptering: meaning, definitions and examples

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helicoptering

 

[ ˈhɛlɪˌkɒptərɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

parenting style

Helicoptering refers to a parenting style in which parents are overly involved in their children's lives, overseeing their experiences and decisions. This can include constant monitoring of their activities and being overly protective, often to the detriment of the child's independence. The term is often used in a critical context to describe excessive parental involvement that hinders a child's growth.

Synonyms

intrusive parenting, overinvolvement, overparenting

Examples of usage

  • She's helicoptering her kids during their college applications.
  • Helicoptering can prevent children from learning how to solve problems on their own.
  • Parents who engage in helicoptering often struggle to let go as their children grow older.

Translations

Translations of the word "helicoptering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 helicóptero

🇮🇳 हेलीकॉप्टर

🇩🇪 Hubschrauber

🇮🇩 helikopter

🇺🇦 гелікоптер

🇵🇱 śmigłowiec

🇯🇵 ヘリコプター

🇫🇷 hélicoptère

🇪🇸 helicóptero

🇹🇷 helikopter

🇰🇷 헬리콥터

🇸🇦 طائرة هليكوبتر

🇨🇿 vrtulník

🇸🇰 vrtuľník

🇨🇳 直升机

🇸🇮 helikopter

🇮🇸 þyrlu

🇰🇿 гелікоптер

🇬🇪 ჰელიკოპტერი

🇦🇿 helikopter

🇲🇽 helicóptero

Etymology

The term 'helicopter parenting' originated in the 1960s and became popular in the early 2000s. It draws its imagery from the idea of a helicopter hovering overhead, constantly supervising, much like overprotective parents who monitor their children's every move. This phrase gained widespread use in discussions about child development, education, and parenting styles. Critics of helicopter parenting argue that it can stifle a child's independence and ability to cope with adversity, leading to difficulties in adulthood. As societal values shifted in the late 20th century toward prioritizing children's emotional well-being and safety, helicoptering was seen as a method of ensuring their success in a competitive world. However, many experts caution against the pitfalls of this approach, highlighting the importance of allowing children to experience failure and develop resilience.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,162, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.