Mom Confession: I’m a Helicopter Mom

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Helicopter Mom

Everyone has their own parenting style.  I’m a “Helicopter Mom”.  I hover.

I’m no military expert, but thanks to a little visit to Wikipedia, I’ve discovered that us helicopters serve many purposes:

Attack Helicopter:  These work in close support with ground troops.  This is the Mama Bear.  You mess with my baby’s physical well-being; you’re gonna get blasted.

Transport Helicopter:  They move the troops around.  Every minivan mom/stay-at-home mom/sports mom understands this one.  It’s why my three year old car is no longer under warranty–due to high mileage.

Observation Helicopter:  These go in for recon and monitor the situation.  I have thousands of photos of my kiddos that I love to make into DVD slideshows, photo books, and Facebook posts.

Maritime Helicopter:  These maintain the perimeter.  This is what helps us set boundaries.  Maybe you shouldn’t hang out with that certain friend or eat 5 cupcakes.

Search & Rescue Helicopter:  Self explanatory, but these will bail you out.  Here’s where you’ll get all those hugs, kisses, and snuggles.  It’s also where you’ll find a much needed heart-to-heart conversation.

Training Helicopter:  Sometimes, in training operations, the military will use a lighter or less-equipped version of a helicopter to make things a little easier for the crew to learn on.  This is classic parenting.  Preparing your little one for the hard lessons before they have to endure it.

Wikipedia also defines a Helicopter Parent as “a parent who pays extremely close attention to a child’s or children’s experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions.”  That’s a good thing, right?

The helicopter is always at a distance offering support, interfering only when necessary.  That’s how I like to picture myself.  The helicopter can never take the place of the ground troops, which is why I also have to teach them independence & responsibility.  Being supportive doesn’t mean that I don’t let them suffer the consequences of their actions, but it does mean that I can guide them through it and encourage better choices going forward.

I’ve also discovered that “hovering” gives me a great view of three amazing little lives.  We have made so many memories, and I have felt so very involved in their childhood.  I will support them, train them, and rescue them when they fall.  One day, they will grow wings of their own, and I will let them fly.

Are you a Helicopter Mom? Which of the different helicopter styles do you most relate too?