Helicopter Parenting

After working as the Stanford Dean of all incoming freshman, Julie Lythcott-Haims is urging parents to step back and relax. She sees students all year long struggle immensely because they are incapable of taking care of themselves. The former educator and now author blames the parents. She believes they are 'over-parenting', shielding their children from all negativity and reality. Ensuring that they never fail and intervening in every aspect of their life. This growing parenting trend "robs them of the chance to learn who they are, what they love and how to navigate the world". Even though these parents are only attempting to help their children succeed, they are ultimately holding their children back.  Directly caring for college freshman, Julie sees the impact of helicopter parenting, "They're breathless, they're brittle, they're old before their time." Lythcott-Haims urges parents to relax and allow their children to enjoy life and succeed on their own, but with their support.