Distal parenting, also known as "helicopter parenting," refers to a style of parenting in which parents are overly involved in their children's lives and try to control every aspect of their experiences. This type of parenting tends to produce children who are reliant on their parents for guidance and decision-making, and may struggle with self-regulation and independence.
One potential negative outcome of distal parenting is that children may lack the ability to solve problems on their own. When parents are constantly hovering and solving problems for their children, the children may not develop the skills and confidence needed to handle challenges independently. This can lead to a lack of resilience and an increased dependence on others for support.
Another potential consequence of distal parenting is that children may have difficulty developing their own sense of identity and autonomy. When parents are constantly directing and controlling their children's lives, the children may have little opportunity to explore their own interests and preferences. This can lead to a lack of self-direction and a reliance on external validation and approval.
In addition, distal parenting may lead to a lack of social skills and the inability to form and maintain healthy relationships. When children are not given the opportunity to interact with others and navigate social situations on their own, they may struggle with social interactions and have difficulty building and maintaining friendships.
Overall, distal parenting tends to produce children who are reliant on their parents and may struggle with independence, problem-solving, self-direction, and social skills. It is important for parents to strike a balance between providing support and guidance for their children, while also allowing them the opportunity to learn and grow on their own.
