helicopter parenting


nounInformal.
  1. 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

1
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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024