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Comprehensive Study about Helicopter Parenting:
A Literature Review
Varnika Dhyani
Department of Psychology, School of Humanities
K.R Mangalam University, Gurugram, Haryana
Email: varnikaworks@gmail.com

Abstract

This literature review explores the relationship of helicopter parenting, drawing on a range of
studies that indicate a predominantly negative effect on individuals. The review covers the
relationship between helicopter parenting and mental health, its impact on college students’
well-being, its effect on academic motivation, and its role in college students’ adjustment. The
findings suggest that helicopter parenting can lead to poor mental health outcomes, lower
self-worth, decreased academic motivation, and poorer adjustment to college. However, the
review also highlights the need for further research to fully understand these associations and
explore potential positive aspects of helicopter parenting. This paper contributes to the ongoing
discourse on parenting styles and their impact, providing valuable insights for parents, educators,
and policymakers.

Keywords: Parenting style, helicopter parenting, strict parenting, impact on children

1. Introduction

There are a lot of definitions for the term Helicopter Parenting, however the essence of all of
them remains the same. The term originated from the image of parents “hovering” over their
children like helicopters, rarely allowing them to operate independently (Berkley well-being
institute). According to the dictionary, Helicopter parenting is a style of child rearing in which an
overprotective mother or father discourages a child’s independence by being too involved in the
child’s life.

Wikipedia states that a helicopter parent (also called a cosseting parent) is a term for a parent
who is overly attentive and overly fearful of a child’s experiences and problems, particularly
outside the home and at educational institutions. In an article by Hedy Phillips, and medically
reviewed by Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP; these parents typically involve themselves in
all aspects of their children’s lives, sometimes to the detriment of the kids.
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2. Key Characteristics of Helicopter Parenting

Helicopter parenting is a style characterized by excessive involvement and overprotectiveness

towards a child’s life1. This term, which originated as early as 1969, metaphorically represents
parents who hover closely overhead, constantly monitoring and intervening in their children’s
lives. Helicopter parents tend to micromanage their children’s schedules, closely oversee their
homework, and monitor their online activities. They often intervene in personal choices and go
to great lengths to ensure their child avoids the slightest mishap. They are usually distinguished
by these three traits in their parenting. They are highly involved, they are highly controlling, and
they do little to encourage their children to behave autonomously. They apply intense pressure
on their children to perform well in school and other activities.

This parenting style stems from various factors, including parental anxiety, cultural influences,
societal pressures, and personality traits. Some helicopter parents are anxious, while others are
controlling, intrusive, and possessive1. They place heavy restrictions on what children can and
cannot do, and apply intense pressure to perform well in school and other activities.

2. Historical Context and Emergence

The term “helicopter parenting” was first introduced by child psychotherapist Haim Ginott in
1969. The metaphor of a helicopter was used to describe parents who hover over their children,
constantly monitoring and intervening in their lives. This parenting style gained prominence in
the late 1980s and became more prevalent in the early 2000s as the oldest millennials began
reaching college age.

The rise of helicopter parenting can be attributed to several societal factors. The first is societal
pressures and fear of failure. Parents, driven by the desire to provide the best opportunities for
their children, became overly involved in their children’s lives. The second factor is the booming
economy of the 1990s, which led to low unemployment and higher disposable income. This
economic prosperity allowed parents to invest more time and resources in their children, further
fueling the rise of helicopter parenting.

Cultural variations also play a significant role in how helicopter parenting manifests. For
instance, in Korean American families, helicopter parenting is often associated with high
academic pressure from parents. Similarly, in Chinese families, helicopter parenting is frequently
observed due to the emphasis on parental authority and family interdependence in traditional
Chinese culture. However, it’s important to note that the impact of helicopter parenting can vary
greatly depending on cultural context and individual factors. Therefore, while helicopter
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parenting is a global phenomenon, its manifestation and effects can differ across various regions
and cultures.

3. Prevalence and Popularity

Helicopter parenting, characterized by overprotection and control, has become increasingly

common in recent years. A study using a nationally representative sample of more than 3600
Americans suggested that child-centered, time-intensive parenting, often associated with
helicopter parenting, has now become a cultural norm and is pervasive, even across different
social classes. Another survey found that 22% of the students identified their parents as
helicopter parents, indicating its prevalence in today’s society. Demographic differences do play
a role in the prevalence of helicopter parenting. Studies have found that mothers are more likely
to engage in helicopter parenting than fathers. Furthermore, helicopter parents are generally
well-educated, well-resourced parents who are incredibly well-intentioned.

Empirical studies have provided valuable insights into the prevalence and impact of helicopter
parenting. A systematic review of 38 studies found a direct relationship between helicopter
parenting and symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, the evidence for this relationship is
insufficient and must be investigated further. Another study involving 931 college freshmen
found that higher rates of helicopter parenting predicted significantly more insecure parental and
peer attachment, greater internalizing, and lower effort regulation among college students.

4. Psychological Impact on Children

Anxiety and Depression Research suggests that helicopter parenting may lead to increased
anxiety and depression. Children with helicopter parents may be less able to deal with the
challenging demands of growing up, especially with navigating the complex school environment.
They may also struggle to regulate their emotions and behavior effectively, which can lead to
acting out in the classroom, having a harder time making friends, and struggling in school.

The systematic review by Vigdal & Brønnick, 2022 found a direct relationship between
helicopter parenting and symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, the review also noted
that there were no longitudinal studies of sufficient quality to determine if helicopter parenting
precedes the outcome of anxiety and depression.

Self-Esteem Helicopter parenting can also damage a child’s self-esteem. The constant pressure to
meet high parental expectations and the fear of disappointing their parents can lead to anxiety
disorders and perfectionistic tendencies, which can persist into adulthood. The long-term effects
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of helicopter parenting can be quite detrimental. This parenting style often leads to a lack of
independence and resilience in children, as they are constantly dependent on their parents for
decision-making and problem-solving. Helicopter parenting can hinder a child’s ability to
develop essential life skills, such as self-confidence, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills. As
a result, these children may struggle to navigate challenges and make decisions on their own as
they grow older.

5. Academic Performance and Achievement

In the short term, helicopter parenting can lead to lower academic performance. Overly involved
parents may inadvertently undermine their children’s development of critical academic skills
such as performance monitoring, goal-setting, and motivation to pursue goals. This can result in
children experiencing higher levels of procrastination, which has been associated with reductions
in these critical academic skills. Moreover, helicopter parenting is related to maladaptive
academic motivations that may have negative implications for academic achievement. For
instance, children of helicopter parents tend to have more extrinsic or reward-based motivation
and avoidance goals for learning, which have been associated with lower academic performance.

In the long term, helicopter parenting can have significant implications for children’s career
choices. Children who experience helicopter parenting may struggle with career adaptability and
in-depth exploration. They may also experience higher levels of career self-doubt and are more
likely to be in a state of searching moratorium, a phase of exploration and indecision about
career choices. Furthermore, helicopter parenting can interfere with the development of essential
life skills necessary for independent living. As a result, these children may struggle to navigate
challenges and make decisions on their own as they grow older, which can impact their career
choices and success in adulthood.

6. Social and Emotional Development

Helicopter parenting can inadvertently hinder children’s ability to connect with peers and build
healthy relationships. By sheltering children from social interactions and relationships, these
parents can limit their children’s opportunities to explore and form connections independently.
Miller et al20241, this study found that higher levels of parental involvement (i.e helicopter
parenting) predicted significantly more insecure parental and peer attachment, greater
internalizing, and lower effort regulation among college students. This can lead to difficulties in
managing emotions and behavior effectively, which in turn can result in children having a harder
time making friends and struggling in social environments. One of the primary consequences of
helicopter parenting is reduced resilience in children. When parents constantly intervene to
prevent failure or hardship, children miss out on valuable opportunities to learn from their
mistakes and develop problem-solving skills. This can lead to increased anxiety and stress.
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Helicopter parenting often leads to a lack of independence in children. When parents constantly
hover over their children, making decisions for them and shielding them from any potential
harm, children are not given the opportunity to develop important life skills and problem-solving
abilities. This can hinder their ability to function effectively as adults.

7. Parental Motivations and Beliefs

Parents may adopt helicopter parenting practices for a variety of reasons, often driven by a
combination of fear, societal pressure, and genuine concern for their child’s well-being. One of
the primary reasons parents become helicopter parents is due to fear for their child’s safety and
well-being. They want to protect their child from potential dangers and harm, often leading to
excessive monitoring and control.Societal expectations and the ever-increasing pressure to
conform to certain cultural norms can also drive parents to adopt a helicopter parenting style.
The desire to have a child who excels in every area, from academics to sports and social skills,
stems from a belief that this is the only path to success and happiness.

Parents may also become helicopter parents out of a genuine desire to give their children a
childhood unlike what they themselves experienced. If they had a tough childhood, perhaps with
an absent or unsupportive parent, they might want to course-correct when they have children of
their own. Helicopter parents often hold the belief that they must protect their child from all
harm. They may believe that what their child does today has a huge impact on their future, and
helicoptering is seen as a way to prevent struggles later in their life. A child getting a low grade,
getting cut from a sports team, or not getting into the college of their choice can spark fears of
uncertainty about their future.

8. Cultural Perspectives and Cross-Cultural Studies

Cultural norms significantly impact the values parents deem important and how they share those
values with their children. For instance, individualistic cultures, such as many Western societies,
often prioritize independence and personal achievement. In contrast, collectivistic cultures,
common in many Eastern societies, tend to place more emphasis on the individual’s contribution
to the well-being of the family and the community. Research has shown variations in parenting
styles across different cultures. For example, a study comparing parenting styles in the United
States and South Korea found that while helicopter parenting did not uniquely predict the quality
of the mother-child relationship or students’ well-being in either country, providing greater
autonomy support to children appeared to enhance the mother-child relationship and children’s
positive well-being in both countries.

Another study examined helicopter parenting in Korean American college students and found
that while most acknowledged the negative aspects of helicopter parenting and its negative
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impact on various outcomes in students, they also recognized the parents’ benevolent intent and
positive effects on academics and career preparation. A study comparing American and Finnish
young adults found that helicopter parenting was increasingly evident across various cultures and
was associated with well-being problems in young adults.

9. Parent-Child Relationships and Communication

Research has shown that helicopter parenting can lead to a variety of outcomes in children. On
one hand, some studies suggest that children of highly intrusive parents may experience higher
life satisfaction and better psychological well being. On the other hand, the broader literature
indicates many concerning potential effects including reduced self-efficacy, diminished
motivation, greater mental health issues, and problems with relationships. Higher levels of
parental involvement (i.e helicopter parenting) predicted significantly more insecure parental and
peer attachment, greater internalizing, and lower effort regulation among college students.
Over-controlling parenting of a child at age 2 was associated with poorer emotional and
behavioral regulation at age 53.

Helicopter parenting can lead to strained relationships within the family. Children of helicopter
parents struggle to develop a healthy sense of themselves as independent thinkers and doers, and
families experience strain and conflict. While there’s limited research specifically on the impact
of helicopter parenting on sibling relationships, it’s reasonable to infer that this parenting style
could affect these relationships as well. By sheltering children from social interactions and
relationships, helicopter parents can inadvertently hinder their ability to connect with peers and
build healthy relationships. This could potentially extend to siblings, impacting the dynamics of
sibling relationships.

10. Interventions and Recommendations

Here are some evidence-based strategies and recommendations for parents to strike a balance
between involvement and autonomy-

For Parents:

● Foster Autonomy: Encourage your child to take on age-appropriate responsibilities and

make decisions for themselves. This can help children become more independent and
resilient.
● Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe and supportive environment where your
child feels comfortable discussing their concerns and problems.
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● Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid placing excessive pressure on your child to achieve
certain goals or meet certain standards.
● Promote Independence: Prioritize independence, resist intervening at every challenge,
and promote problem-solving skills.
● Set Boundaries: By setting boundaries and encouraging independence, parents can
navigate the challenges of helicopter parenting and raise well-rounded, confident
individuals.

For Educators:

● Promote Student Independence: Give students opportunities for choices about their work,
and teach social-emotional skills and cognitive behavior techniques.
● Understand the Behavior: Recognize that overparenting often stems from a genuine fear
that the child may struggle academically or miss out on future academic opportunities.
● Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with parents about their involvement in the
classroom.

For Policymakers:

● Promote Awareness: Policymakers can help by promoting awareness about the potential
negative impacts of helicopter parenting on children’s emotional well-being and behavior.
● Support Research: Support further research into the effects of helicopter parenting and
the development of resources to educate parents about healthier parenting practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the research on helicopter parenting presents a complex picture of its impacts on
children’s development. While it stems from a place of concern and desire to ensure the child’s
success, the evidence suggests that excessive parental control can have negative consequences.
These include reduced self-efficacy, diminished motivation, increased mental health issues, and
strained relationships. However, it’s important to note that the effects of helicopter parenting can
vary based on individual and contextual factors. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach may not
be appropriate. Parents, educators, and policymakers should consider these nuances when
addressing the issue of helicopter parenting.

Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of helicopter parenting and to
develop effective strategies for parents to support their children’s development while respecting
their autonomy. It’s crucial to strike a balance between involvement and autonomy, fostering an
environment where children can grow, learn, and become resilient individuals. In the end, the
goal is to raise children who are capable, confident, and compassionate, and understanding the
impacts of different parenting styles, including helicopter parenting, is a crucial part of this
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process. This review underscores the importance of continued research and dialogue on this topic
to support parents in their essential role and to promote the well-being of children.

References

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in Dating. Family and Environment Research, 60(2).

Howard, A., Alexander, S., & Dunn, L. (2022). Helicopter Parenting Is Unrelated to Student
Success and Well-Being: A Latent Profile Analysis of Perceived Parenting and Academic
Motivation During the Transition to University. Emerging Adulthood, 10(1).

Reed, K., Duncan, J., Lucier-Greer, M., et al. (2016). Helicopter Parenting and Emerging Adult
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