Get Away from the Chopper

I remember a time when my parents would incessantly nag, like usual, and then I was forced to reveal the fact that I got a B in math class. The resulting tempest of yelling was something I’ll remember forever. They were super angry and disappointed, and afterwards, I was bawling, I was wailing, and I absolutely hated my parents’ guts. At the time, I really despised how pushy my parents were and how angry they got, but now I realize that this method of parenting isn’t as terrible as I viewed it.

I mean, it’s frustrating to have to report your every activity to your parents like a criminal in jail reports to his warden, but the metaphor only goes so far. I see that through the hailstorm of questions lies their thickly veiled care. I hear that when they yell at me, they’re disappointed but still affectionate, and I know that they, deep down, do love me.

Could my parents be more effective in their practices? Probably. Toning it down might go a long way in terms of a healthier relationship between me and them. But no one can be perfect, and if I consider the other possibilities, like having parents who don’t care at all, then helicopter parenting seems feasible enough.

I guess the question of whether or not it’s reasonable for parents to helicopter depends on their kids. I know that without my parents badgering me, I would have no motivation to work hard or push myself. I wouldn’t be pressured to make my parents proud, and I wouldn’t strive to achieve that perfect score on the ACT or get into that Ivy League college. Other kids, however, might suffer a lot from their parents’ pressure, and might instead want some space to freely express themselves.

For me, there are times when my helicopter parents irritate me, almost to the point of breaking, but there’s also times when I recognize why my parents want to keep an eye on me constantly. I guess I’m pretty thankful for my parents, because after all, helicopters deteriorate eventually, and why wouldn’t you want to make use of one while you still can?