In a recent viral post by an anonymous educator, a new parenting trend dubbed “lawnmower parenting” has come to light, and it’s raising eyebrows among teachers. This trend is being compared to the well-known concept of helicopter parenting, but with a distinct twist: while helicopter parents hover, lawnmower parents actively clear obstacles from their children’s paths to shield them from adversity, struggle, or failure.
The post gained traction on the platform WeAreTeachers, and it’s easy to see why. The topic ignites strong opinions, drawing attention to the potential ramifications of such parenting styles on children’s development.
The teacher recounts an instance where a father hurriedly delivered an expensive water bottle to his teenage daughter at school. Despite the teacher’s suggestion that the school had water fountains, the father insisted on fulfilling his daughter’s request. The teacher noted the absurdity of the situation, feeling a mix of disbelief and concern. “What on this actual earth,” they thought.
While the educator acknowledges that these parents often have good intentions—stemming from their own childhood experiences—they stress that shielding children from every challenge can inhibit their ability to cope with real-life situations. “We are creating a generation that has no idea what to do when they actually encounter struggle,” the teacher remarked, warning that when faced with challenges like receiving a poor grade in college, these children may react in unhealthy ways, such as blaming the professor or seeking parental intervention.
In another anecdote, a mother called to request an extension for her son on a project, explaining that she typically manages such matters for him. The teacher was left questioning the appropriateness of this approach, wondering what it meant for a child who never faced discomfort or challenge.
Reflecting on their own journey, the teacher admits to being a “recovering lawnmower parent.” They share their experience of rushing to school with forgotten items, only to realize that such actions were preventing their child from learning valuable lessons. After allowing their child to face the consequences of leaving her violin behind, they noticed a significant change; the child never forgot again.
The teacher emphasizes the importance of allowing children to confront challenges on their own, stating, “If we want our children to be successful, healthy adults, we must teach them how to process through their own challenges, respond to adversity, and advocate for themselves.”
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In summary, lawnmower parenting—where parents seek to eliminate all difficulties for their children—may stem from good intentions but can hinder their ability to navigate life’s challenges. Teachers are urging parents to allow their children to experience struggles, as this is essential for developing resilience and independence.
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