Helicopter Parenting and its Influence on the Children in Pakistan: Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Background: The helicopter parenting style is also known as the over-indulgent parenting style. It is associated with mental health and development issues in children. The helicopter parenting style is common in Asian countries. Children of helicopter parents are most likely to have underdeveloped coping skills and life skills.

Aim: The prime aim of the study was to identify helicopter parenting styles and their effects on children’s mental health and how they affect the growth and development of children.

Methodology: A qualitative thematic analysis was employed to conduct the research. Semi-structured interviews were directed for data collection. Potential themes were extracted on the basis of participants’ responses.

Results: The results of the study were divided into suitable themes under the similarity of the responses of the participants. The results suggested the negative inter-linkage between helicopter parenting and its effects on children’s mental and emotional growth and development.

Conclusion: The outcomes revealed that children with helicopter parents lack confidence, have low self-esteem and suffer from different mental and emotional health issues including anxiety, depression and stress. They are unable to build any connection or relation with friends or any other person and the helicopter parents do not give their children any privacy or any personal space.