Parenting today can feel like a full-time balancing act — wanting to protect your kids while still letting them grow.
Velcro parenting is the latest buzzword. It’s when mom or dad stays “stuck” to a child to catch every misstep.
Consider it a quick snapshot of over-involvement, and it connects to a bigger pattern: helicoptering and snowplowing.
A New York Times poll found more than 75% of parents admit to “snowplowing” obstacles out of their child’s path, some even calling employers about their kids’ work schedules.
As the new year approaches, it may be the perfect time to re-examine your parenting style.
Snowplow parent
Whether or not you have a white Christmas, you may already have a snowplow in your house!
“Snowplow parenting really just controls everything, and it often comes from a place of fear,” said Ana Homayoun, Educational Consultant, Green Ivy Consulting.
Experts say these parents clear away anything that could slow their child down.
From late homework to difficult coaches, thinking they’re helping when in fact, they’re limiting resilience. And while snowplows push ahead, other parents take to the sky.
Drone parent
Drone parents are the new helicopter parents who use today’s technology to follow their kids’ every move, using location trackers and strong internet parental controls.
Their kids’ digital and physical lives are in their hands.
“I know a lot of friends whose parents were watching their every move,” said Patrick Ward.
Concierge parent
And then there’s the “concierge parent” — always available, always accommodating.
Concierge parents solve every problem, schedule every detail, and never say no, leaving kids without practice in handling real world disappointment.
So how do you step away from these modern parenting traps?
“When you have high expectations and high belief in your child, they rise up to those expectations,” said Ana Homayoun.
So, experts say to let your child make mistakes. It’s better they do it now than when you can’t help anymore.
Parenting experts warn that these styles — snowplow, drone, and concierge — may create short-term comfort but long-term consequences.
Children who grow up without learning to cope with failure or frustration can struggle with independence, decision-making, and resilience as adults.
The good news? It’s never too late to step back, let your child stumble, and help them build the confidence they’ll need for life.