helicopter parent

noun

: a parent who is overly involved in the life of his or her child

Examples of helicopter parent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Unlike a helicopter parent, a lighthouse parent allows their kids to make decisions and learn to deal with the consequences of their choices. Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2024 On the spectrum of parenting styles, lighthouse parenting hovers right around the middle—not as involved as a helicopter parent, but not as hands-off as a free-range parent. Alex Vance, Parents, 20 Sep. 2024 If a helicopter parent is coupled with a free-range parent, the pair may benefit from working with a therapist or coach to create balance within the family. Caroline Silver, Parents, 17 Aug. 2023 As played by an outstanding, wholly committed, sometimes fearlessly insufferable Will Smith, Richard is a combination of helicopter parent, personal publicist, battle strategist and drill sergeant, with a disarmingly friendly, quippy manner that doubles as an instrument of persuasion. Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for helicopter parent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'helicopter parent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of helicopter parent was in 1989

Dictionary Entries Near helicopter parent

Cite this Entry

“Helicopter parent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/helicopter%20parent. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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