Helicopter parents -- those over-worried people who believe their children require assistance with every little task -- are being advised to ease up. There is plenty to be afraid of these days and it is understandable that a natural inclination to protect might easily become hovering.
But what is the difference between proper protection and attending to the needs of your children and training stressed out Little Freaks of Capitalism?
I think it's time to re-institute healthy neglect -- leaving your children to their own devices. A little more "Go outside and play!" and less "Would you like to build a radio transmitter with Daddy?"
I think it is quite likely that children allowed the freedom to play with low-tech toys, relax and do nothing, and left free of the flashcards, language and dance lessons and sideline instructions from tight-lipped parents, might in the end find out that freedom and creativity are more satisfying than preschool at Harvard.
