“Trapped Under the Chopper: 40 Adults Reveal the Dark Truths of Growing Up with Helicopter Parents”
In the fascinating world of parenting, there’s often a delicate balance between providing support and being overbearing—a bit like balancing on a seesaw while your parents are at the other end with their hands firmly gripping the toggle! So, what happens when the love and care morph into a hovering presence that might as well have a built-in propeller? As many adults recall, those experiences often come with a strong mix of resentment, humor, and, let’s be honest, a touch of absurdity.
One Reddit user sparked a swirling conversation about this very dilemma—how a little too much care can stifle a child’s independence. This exchange echoed with memories from those who felt they were raised by parents who treated them less like individuals and more like… well, projects! From tracking their every move to scheduling their lives down to the last minute, these stories are not just tales of survival; they are, at times, hilariously heart-wrenching.
So, buckle up as we dive into a collection of tales from those who’ve navigated the tricky grounds of growing up under the watchful eye of a “helicopter” parent. These anecdotes might just make you chuckle, shake your head in disbelief, or even think, “Hey, that sounds a lot like my childhood!”
We want to provide what’s best for our children, but they also need space to learn and grow on their own without mom or dad hovering over their every move like a helicopter.
Interested in the line between the caring and the domineering, one Reddit user initiated a discussion, asking adults who were raised by overbearing parents to share their stories.
From being forced to devote their entire free time to extracurriculars to tracking their location at all times, continue scrolling to read what they had to experience.
#1
Unfortunately, the helicopter behavior continued after I got married and had children. Eventually, the only way to gain control was to go no contact.
Edit: Fundamentally it boiled down to a complete lack of respect for boundaries. My happiness, marriage, and ability to be a good parent were all suffering because my mother was still trying to control my life. We tried setting up boundaries, but that only escalated things. I would have gladly gone to family counseling if she agreed, but it was far easier for her to complain to her friends that her children don’t speak to her. (Yes, my brother cut her off too.)
