Hidden Risks of Overparenting and Perfectionism in Parents - The Daily Scroll

Overparenting, which has the alternative moniker of helicopter parenting, essentially refers to the micro-managing of our children’s lives. It centres on being overprotective, controlling and hypervigilant. The present research is designed to test the prediction that overparenting is associated with parentalperfectionism. Study 1 involved 302 parents of young adult children, and Study 2 included 290 young adult–parent dyads. Young adult and parent perceptions of facilitation: associations with overparenting, family functioning, and student adjustment.On the development of perfectionismin adolescence: perceived parental expectations predict longitudinal increases in socially prescribed perfectionism. Being a parent always involves a risk or cost. In former times parents might more often have had to contemplate confronting a hungry bear in order to defend their children; today, the price one has to pay is more subtle. Overparenting can be considered a subcategory of ‘modern parenting’, characterized by both high levels of care and a developmental misalignment to children’s needs, leading to a potential for harm. Overparenting, also known as being a helicopter parent, is detrimental for children and can create helplessness later in life.The Downside ofOverparenting. There are both benefits and risks associated with too much engagement. They may engage in overparenting in an effort to achieve "perfect" results. In the first study, 302 parents of young adults were asked to rate a series of statements designed to measure their overparenting tendencies and their levels of perfectionism. A new meta-analysis of 44 studies (21,607 participants) reveals a clear pattern: Overparenting is linked to poorer mental health, especially higher depression and anxiety. These effects aren’t universal.