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Helicopter Parenting and College Admissions
Wondering if you hover too much over your children? Are you reading this blog? Yes? Then you may already have your answer.
Students: let's face it, most teenagers feel their parents are too intrusive. Thought they nagged you a lot about homework? College admissions could make that look like, well, child's play.
The fact is, your hovering parents have probably experienced rejection and regret. They've lost a job or blown an interview or bombed a test. They understand that time doesn't fix the aftermath of all youthful transgressions. So when they see you giving less than 100% to the admissions process, it may feel impossible for them to sit on their hands.
At the undergraduate level, administrators are often quite familiar with the overly involved parent, who may be doing more than simply footing the bill. The thing is, the university is admitting you, the student, and they want to know you'll be able to juggle the demands of college with your own two hands. Having mom call to check in on your admission status? Not a good symbolic gesture.
The solution for parents? Trust that the child-rearing you've done thus far is good enough. Hard as it might be, step back and understand that your almost adult child is going to need to learn about natural consequences.
For students with meddlesome parents? See this as a growth opportunity. Your life will be full of authority figures reminding you how to run your life. Trust that the folks aren't as out of touch as you might think. Know that someday you may find this to be true.
Labels: Helicopter Parenting and College Admissions
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