Inform Article

When Are Parents Too Involved in Education?

07.05.2012
Posted by Leon Fooksman of yourPBC.org

They demand the principal put their children in high-achieving classes, even if their kids don't test well on gifted exams. They think the teacher is wrong when she calls to complain that their child has been disruptive in class.

These are the signs of a "helicopter parent" -- Moms and Dads who hover low over their children, ready to swoop in for a rescue whenever the going gets tough.

Their ranks are growing. And many teachers are starting to complain about overzealous parents distracting the learning process.

Over-protective parents can unintentionally create children who either lack the confidence to do anything on their own, or who are too confident or even arrogant because they know Mom or Dad will always save them from disaster.

Kids learn best when they're allowed to try things on their own, even if it means failing.

Still, parental involvement in education is extremely important.

It's vital that parents stay in contact with teachers, make sure homework is done, and keep tabs on the social life of their children. The line, however, can be crossed when a child's opportunity to learn from his or her own mistakes and to forge a new path is taken away by a hovering parent.

So, how do parents maintain that balance? How do they limit their involvement when necessary?

Let us know.

Share your thoughts below.

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