To think this is my first experience of Helicopter Parenting?

[CheshireDing]

DD & DH have a swimming lesson on Saturday mornings. I think it's a good thing for them to do on their own and spend 1 on 1 time together and it gives DH more confidence with her in the water (she is only 8 months).

Today I went with them to take some photos - it's in a private house, not a public baths, so you are allowed to take pics/videos.

For the whole lesson I swear the 4 women sat next to me did not stop talking to each other, except each time one of their babies came round in the circle to our side of the pool and then to pass comment "Oooh he doesn't like that", "Ooh look he will have trouble getting him to do that off the side" and ridiculously animated gesturing and commenting at the baby/Dad each time they came round to our side "Ooh you're doing well/enjoying it/watch the Teacher".

30 bloody minutes this lasted, I don't think they paused for breathe.

I really wanted to turn round and say "For the love of God women SHUT UP"

If it wasn't Helicopter Parenting what the hell was it? (besides annoying).

Not helicopter parenting, no.

Annoying and a bit silly maybe.

They sound like annoying cows. I'd have thrown my M & Ms at them one at a time.

Eh?

What's helicopter parenting?

Well go and sit somewhere else? What's the problem? Why shouldn't they talk to each other for what is probably a very rare 20 mins each week when it's not them holding the baby?

Sounds like a waste of M&MS Pinky

What's Helicopter Parenting then Zero (and is it more annoying)?

I couldn't sit somewhere else Getting there were 5 seats and it is a tiny private pool in the back of someones house.

Tbh, if someone is looking to throw around put-downs such as 'helicopter-parent'(and it is a put-down, yes i can recognise the traits but afaiac its pretty mean to effectively point and laugh at someone doing no harm to you whaysoever) then it would be more accurate to use it about a parent who hangs about a swimming lesson, just so they can take pictures. Meh.

If they were helicopter parenting, they would have been in the pool with their babies...hovering over their every move.

YABU. annoying it may be, but they are allowed to talk to each other and pass comments on their babies. If you dont like it, then you should use an iPod or move away.
Plus I dont get how this is helicopter parenting?

Helicopter is a parent of a reasonably active and able child going onto the climbing frame with them or following them around it in case they fall off. Instead of slumping on a bench with coffee like the rest of us!!

Not helicopter parenting. Just annoying.

Ah I see.

Thanks WipsGlitter

YABU, sorry but it's not HP at all I'm afraid. Nnoying though.

Can I just say how much I love your first paragraph, though. I was like that. Is DD your first?

What ★Tee★ said.

Argh! Sorry, major asterisk fail!

Wtaf did you type?

Often in group-of-mums-with-babies situations, the chat is quite "ooooh, look he's smiling". That's just the way it is. I do it myself, especially with people I know less well because I don't particularly want to chat deeply and share confidences at the playgroup / swimming pool and I'm usually knackered and ant muster up any better chat It's just the way if these things. I'm sure they all chat quantum physics and international politics at home.

That's not helicopter patenting.

I haven't taken my 6 mnth old dd swimming yet, but she's my third. I couldn't wait to take my PFB swimming not long after last set of injections

We're just back from holiday and saw helicoptering en masse. Changeover day was Sat, the first week we sat and watched the children's entertainment from seats set back from dancing area where the children were.

Second week sitting in the same spot couldn't see the children for all the helicopters standing up next to their DC.