#HelicopterParenting

A growing concern among educators is that today’s university students may arrive on campus lacking essential life skills. In many cases, parenting styles that emphasize protection over autonomy are seen as a contributor to this trend. The discussion, sparked by an anonymous professor’s reflections in an advice column, resonates with Thai educators who are seeing similar patterns at home and in schools.

Experts note that overprotective, or “helicopter,” parenting can hinder a child’s development of autonomy and resilience. Students who expect step-by-step guidance and fear of discomfort can struggle with practical self-care and problem-solving in daily life and study. This shift affects classroom dynamics and raises questions about readiness for the workforce.

A growing number of university professors in the United States are raising alarms about a worrying trend among today’s students: many young adults are arriving at university without essential life skills, due to parenting styles that prioritize protection over independence. This issue, highlighted in a recent Slate advice column where an anonymous professor described students “who have never been allowed to solve a problem themselves,” is resonating with educators and mental health professionals worldwide, and holds crucial lessons for Thai parents and educators facing similar cultural shifts.