To ask for examples of helicopter parenting

[lesley33]

I am amazed at how over protective some parents are. For example, my 14 year old nephew is not allowed to be outside without a supervising adult. He is desperate to join his friends who play football on some grass right outside his house, but his mum won't let him as she is worried about what could happen to him.

What are the worst examples of helicopter parenting that you have come across?

one or two of

Oooh yes, I quite like the ballooning aspect. Submarines are vaguely creepy. I am prepared to torpedo if necessary, however with ballooning I could just chuck the wine empties instead. I'm sold!

Another one floating by peacefully in her balloon. DS bedroom looks less messy from up here too so all's good.

I will join you.
I have referred the 'would you leave 2 DCs aged 11 and 13 in the evening thread' here. I agree that you have to know your DCs and some you wouldn't leave- but many are onto 'no way','it is illegal', 'the house will burn down' and they will watch sex programmes on TV etc. I can't see certain ones on there leaving them at 16 and 14yrs and thought they ought to read what happens when you send 16yr olds to after school clubs!

I like the kite much better-perfect

Arms feeling tired just reading that Lequeen. Will stick to sipping wine and admiring the view.

Exactly -it depends on the DC but I don't think it helps to start on about houses burning down the moment you leave!

yes a submarine does have a habit of surfacing when you least expect so could be quite creepy

kite parenting sounds good, there but at a distant, in control but with a fair bit of freedom

Love the kite metaphor.

At 14 I was babysitting (five whole pounds an hour - I was good!). Cooking tea, putting them to bed - though would undoubtedly have spent the rest of the evening watching sex programmes if there'd been those channels back then.