Helicopter parents | do's and don'ts | top 5 cries for help>

What is the danger in being a helicopter parent?

Bermudians struggle with high costs of living resulting in the increasing number of 30 ‘somethings’ still living at home. But is this the only reason? Can it also be, that paying ‘rent’ to their parents allows them to shop, travel, and eat without having to worry about budgeting for groceries, electricity, and all the other financial worries that come with being an adult. We need to remember that our sons and daughters do not become independent, self- reliant adults overnight.

 Student Services is meeting with growing numbers of students ill-equipped to deal with basic problem-solving and decision-making. To us, this is a sign that someone else has been doing too much of the thinking for them.  If you have ticked ANY of the boxes in the self-assessment, you may be missing a prime opportunity to help move your son or daughter along the continuum from dependence to independence.

Do you still need to be engaged and active? The answer is yes! How you engage and play an active role is what changes. Instead of waking them up in time for class, ask them to think about the consequences of arriving late on a consistent basis. Let them feel the consequences if necessary. Instead of finding information and resources for them, ask them to consider which resources they can use on campus or in the community to get information or assistance.

The trick is to begin to distinguish between when you are truly needed and when you need to give the necessary push out of the nest. Keep in mind the lessons you have learned and the skills you have gained from your own struggles. 

Hovering can create a sense of fragility, a belief that “I can’t do it on my own.” Fragility does not lead to success and we all want success for your sons and daughters. Now is the time to encourage flying solo. Bermuda College is very well equipped with resources to ensure your student has a safe trip!