3 years ago
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Ed and Joyce Makela are self described helicopter parents, hovering over their two daughters in college with frequent cell phone calls and even video chats.
"Making sure they're on top of their studies. If an assignment's coming up, making sure they're studying appropriately for it and that they put enough time into it. Did they manage their resources effectively?" Ed Makela says. "Sometimes we look back and say should we let them fall at times, but really we have too much pride in our kids."
On the campus of American University, one college freshman told us she has daily contact with her mom.
"I live 15 minutes away, exactly 6.1 miles, but my mom calls me everyday to see how I'm doing," Agustina Delcarril says. "I love her to death, but she is a helicopter mom."
According to newly released figures from the National Survey of Student Engagement, 40% of the more than 9,000 college students interviewed have helicopter parents. And the researchers say that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Researchers say students with helicopter parents are:
The Director of New Student Services at American University says they encourage parents during orientation to talk with their students about how much interaction they want to have during the course of the school year.
"I think having involved parents is beneficial," Tiffany Sanchez says. But she says don't engage too quickly. "When things get problematic, that's when they can step in, but let your kids try to solve their problems on their own initially."
There's no evidence however that all that hovering means better grades. In fact, the survey's authors says students whose parents are very involved got worse grades than students whose parents took a more hands off approach.
American University student Qui-Juan Jones says his mom strikes just the right balance. And he keeps her from hovering by calling home weekly.
"My mom is basically my best friend. I tell her everything, but she's not hovering over me like that," he says. "She gives me the space I need."
If you like to read more of the survey results go to NSSE.iub.edu.
Written by Audrey Barnes9NEWS NOW
