I've heard the term, "Helicopter Parent" before (you the kind that likes to hover over their child's every move in life, which I am very familiar with because I was raised by them,hehe), but the latest term I discovered is called, "Velcro Parents". I learned this term after reading the NY Times article entitled, "Students, Welcome to College; Parents, Go Home. " The title of the article is a loaded statement in itself, I anticipated reading it.
Colleges have now caught wind of the "baby on board" generation parents and are urging them to back off. During a time of exploration, self-growth, and independence, children are caught in a battle between growing up or staying dependent on their parents, manly to appease their attachment.
Much like the days of letting go when their child was first whisked away to Kindergarten, saying goodbye to their college freshmen seems to pose the same battle. Parents want to linger around campus and watch their child from a far to make sure they are adjusting to their new environment. This lingering behavior has created many challenges for colleges.
Professors want to see this dependent relationship between parents and their child dissolve. At many colleges, parents now try to attend the first week of their child's classes and vacation in the surrounding neighborhood, just make sure their "baby" is okay. Professors want to see college students rely more on the life lessons their parents have taught them and not feel the need to text, chat, and email their parents every hour.
In my opinion, "Velcro Parents" are excellent parents. The time and dedication they give to their children is uncanny. I understand letting go of your child after eighteen years of parenting is difficult. However, at some point the monumental effects of suffocating your child has be realized and a happy/medium needs to be found.
The whole reason their child is attending a prestigious university is because of their devotion to their child's education and life. It is now time for parents to trust the young adults they have raised and let them become the independent and educated person they have hoped they would become.
On another note, if the economy continues this downward spiral of limited jobs, these "Velcro Parents" will get their "babies" back in four years because they will be moving home. So I say, take advantage of the four years your child is away. If you have established a good relationship prior to them leaving, this bond will only grow stronger from a distance. So, enjoy your clean house, limited amount of laundry and quietness, because in four years "baby" is coming home with a whole new attitude!
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