There’s a new type of parent in town, and according to some critics, she is nothing like the helicopter moms or the free-range moms. In fact, she’s one who definitely takes more charge of her child and her family’s life.
The latest controversial parenting technique is called snowplow parenting- and yes, it’s hyper-intensive, as these parents are ready to plow down anyone who might stand in their child’s way. Here’s what you need to know about it.
While snowplowing parents don’t hover around their children like helicopter parents, they certainly are involved in all aspects of their child’s life. From calling their adult kids’ employers and even booking their haircuts, some snowplow parents go to the extreme. There have been some instances in which a snowplowing parent will text their college kids in the middle of an exam to make sure that they don’t sleep through it. That’s because these are the kind of parents who will stop at nothing to ensure their child’s success.
According to Parade Magazine, psychologists and childhood education experts are concerned about the snowplowing parents the most, because unlike their Tiger mom or helicopter parent counterparts, these parents will actually call up a school and demand that a teacher change their child’s grade.
Instead of encouraging their child to do better or even express disappointment in them not studying enough, a snowplowing parent will put the blame on someone else or worse, change the outcome or results to help benefit their child. And this is what has many experts worried. Child psychologist Emily Gifford tells the publication, “Snowplow parents clear a path, much like a snowplow clears the snow from the road, in hopes that their child will gain advantages and move ahead in life, education, and profession.”
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Luckily, there are many different things that a parent can do once they’ve realized they might have gone a little too far in helping their child achieve their success. If a mom or dad find that they are intervening too much in a child’s homework, projects, or extra-curricular activities, this might be a sign to step back.
Also, parents are encouraged to ask themselves a few questions. Do they feel uncomfortable when their child is upset or distressed? Does your child look to you for help when they are stuck in a situation?
In most cases, both the parent and child suffer from anxiety and separation issues. If you feel as though this is the case, talk to a professional guidance counsellor who can help with certain coping mechanisms and social-emotional skills.