Helicopter Parents
As I have for the last decade or so, I'm working this weekend as the university welcomes it's newest undergraduate class, and the accompanying parents and friends. So, I thought this CNN article was timely:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/08/13/helicopter.parents/index.html
While I applaud parents' support for their students, I also recognize and value the independence that come come when going away to college. Over recent years, I've been called out to help a student who didn't know how to change the channels on her television set and met a woman who had moved into her son's residence hall so she could be of more direct help, and so he could focus on his classes. While I'm sure there is a continuum of independence, and every person's opinion on how much support is appropriate, for me and my children, I don't think I would choose a position so far on the spectrum.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/08/13/helicopter.parents/index.html
While I applaud parents' support for their students, I also recognize and value the independence that come come when going away to college. Over recent years, I've been called out to help a student who didn't know how to change the channels on her television set and met a woman who had moved into her son's residence hall so she could be of more direct help, and so he could focus on his classes. While I'm sure there is a continuum of independence, and every person's opinion on how much support is appropriate, for me and my children, I don't think I would choose a position so far on the spectrum.