helicopter parenting


noun Informal.

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: In typical helicopter parenting, a mother or father swoops in at any sign of challenge or discomfort.

Origin of helicopter parenting

First recorded in 1985–90; so called because such a parent "hovers" like a helicopter

OTHER WORDS FROM helicopter parenting

helicopter parent, noun helicopter mom, helicopter mother, noun helicopter dad, helicopter father, noun

British Dictionary definitions for helicopter parent

helicopter parent

noun

a parent who is excessively involved in the life of his or her child