Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Letting Go

     I love watching fifth graders — that's just about the time this happens — casually but insistently slide away from their parents while entering school, transmitting the message, "I am growing up, and I (think) am ready to be more independent."  This can come as a surprise to many parents.  
     "Confessions of a Helicopter Mom" is a cute essay from last Sunday's NYTimes Magazine.  Some parents have a tough time letting go when it is time.  

2 comments:

mark said...

It speaks the reality of life...

Anonymous said...

I think because I am not a parent, I can't understand the level of desperation and fear that this woman writes about. I think that is one thing I have to constantly remind myself of as our students get older. I understand the fears of our younger parents-because it just makes sense-the students are younger and need protecting. But as they get older, helicopter parenting seems to also stem from their sadness at the loss of feeling connected to their children as their children develop their own lives. Hmmm....interesting insight that may help me be more patient! -Molly D