Do your parents have an overbearing parenting style that causes you anxiety? If so, you may have helicopter parents. Helicopter parenting can have a lasting impact on children. Even once you’ve moved out of your family home, you may still be experiencing the effects of helicopter parenting. Learning more about the potential impacts of helicopter parenting on college students may offer new perspectives on your own experiences and how you can move forward.

What is a helicopter parent?

A helicopter parent is a parent who embraces a highly controlling and overprotective parenting style. Helicopter parents tend to be very involved in the lives of their children. Though this kind of parenting is often rooted in genuine love and concern, it can lead to negative outcomes. One study found that helicopter parenting causes more interpersonal conflict among college students. This is caused in part by a greater sense of entitlement and fear of missing out. If you were raised by a helicopter parent, you may be accustomed to having someone else make sure all your needs are met. This can make it harder to function as an adult.

Helicopter parenting can affect mental health in many ways. Some effects are more subtle than others. Mental health treatment can help you identify and address any lingering negative effects in your own life. With the right treatment provider, you can continue improving your mental health and achieving your wellness goals as you navigate college.

How helicopter parenting can affect the mental health of college students

• Limited independence — Did your parents constantly step in to solve problems or make decisions for you as a child? If so, you may experience more difficulty adjusting to the increased independence of college life. Helicopter parenting can hinder the development of crucial life skills. As a college student, you may struggle to handle everyday tasks and challenges. You may look for validation from others before making decisions. If you feel like you’re having a hard time being more independent, psychotherapy and other treatments could be helpful. A psychotherapist can work with you to build important life skills and improve your self-confidence.
• Increased anxiety — Helicopter parenting can put a lot of pressure on the child. Helicopter parents tend to fixate on the successes and failures of their children. As someone with a helicopter parent, you may feel more pressure to succeed in every aspect of life. The pressure of parental expectations can lead to persistent stress and anxiety. You may worry often about failure, even when the stakes are relatively low. Anxiety can have a major impact on your quality of life in college. Mental health treatment can play a crucial role in alleviating your anxiety and providing coping skills.
• Undeveloped problem-solving skills — People raised by helicopter parents often have a hard time solving their own problems. Everyday challenges, ranging from disputes with roommates to difficult exams, may feel especially difficult for you. You may feel overwhelmed by obstacles and rely on others to help solve your problems. With therapy, you can work to hone your problem-solving skills. This can be key to feeling capable and empowered during your time at college.
• Indecision — Do you struggle to make decisions? This could be related to your upbringing. If you’re used to your parents making decisions on your behalf, you may not feel equipped to make your own decisions in college. Indecision can make relatively straightforward decisions much more difficult. For example, you might struggle to select your classes for the next semester. Indecision can also be connected to a deep fear of failure. Psychotherapy can help you work through the core processes behind your indecision.
• Burnout — Helicopter parenting tends to encourage perfectionism. While a perfectionist attitude can sometimes lead to good results, it often has negative results in the long run. College is a marathon, not a sprint. Feeling like you need to take advantage of every opportunity and get the best grades on every assignment can lead to burnout. Burnout occurs when you feel thoroughly mentally exhausted. Burnout can lead to lower grades, decreased motivation and worsened self-esteem. Continual therapy can be essential to managing your priorities and avoiding burnout.

Become more independent and improve your mental wellness with Lightfully U

Lightfully U can help address any mental health symptoms you may be experiencing. From anxiety to depression, our team of deeply compassionate experts treats a wide range of conditions. The framework of everything we do is informed by evidence and a focus on whole-person-centered care. With our help, you can gain confidence as you work toward a healthier, more independent life.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.