Perspective: Yes, overparenting is a problem. But teachers can do something about it.
By Braden Bell March 26 at 9:00 AM I just read another piece by a teacher complaining about lawnmower parents, and it prompted a strong reaction. I agree that parents need to take a step back and stop intervening in their children’s lives. Overparenting is a big problem, regardless of the motor vehicle employed as a metaphor: helicopter, snowplow or lawnmower. As a teacher I’ve certainly seen and dealt with it.
Even without admissions worries, the cost of higher education, including state colleges, has increased significantly; scholarships and other forms of aid have become more important. Consequently, parents’ focus on their child getting a scholarship might be far greater. My parents hoped I’d get a scholarship, but it wasn’t make-or-break. College wasn’t so expensive then.
That doesn’t excuse a parent’s bad behavior. But I would suggest that educators can meet parents partway. This has a fairly easy fix. Schools and teachers can clearly communicate what parents might expect. What are the normal ups and downs? What is the goal of a project? What are the stakes? When should a parent not worry? When should a parent worry?
Another powerful help is articulating a clear method for parents to handle problems and concerns. If parents know a teacher is willing to listen respectfully and give student concerns a fair hearing, they are more likely to let the child work things out independently. That goes a long way to reducing overly protective or interfering parent responses.
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