Starting college is a crucial time for both students and parents as relationships may undergo significant changes. A 2024 Forbes.com report highlighted three ways parents can positively impact college students, reducing stress and burnout. However, some students face stress due to their relationships with their parents, like “helicopter parents.” The term originated in the baby boomer generation, where parents were more involved in their children’s lives. As Gen X and Millennials became parents, the trend continued, leading to concepts like “snowplow parenting,” which removes all challenges from children’s paths.
Over-controlling parents can hinder students’ development and opportunities during their college years. College is a time for students to establish personal values, make decisions, and explore various opportunities. Strict rules imposed by parents can limit students’ growth and restrict them from fully experiencing college life. Additionally, over-controlling parents may have limited influence as students gain financial independence and autonomy over time.
Research shows that parent-child attachment can impact college students’ social relationships, including social anxiety. Students with over-controlling parents may struggle to connect with peers and may face rejection due to imposing rules on others. This can lead to a cycle of attachment issues and difficulty in forming meaningful relationships.
Parents should consider that imposing excessive rules on college students may hinder their independence and growth. Boundaries are important, but overly restrictive rules can impede students’ development and autonomy. As students mature, they may set boundaries with their parents, reflecting their experience of boundaries during college.
Ultimately, setting appropriate and reasonable expectations for college students can support their success. While rules are necessary, parents should be mindful of not being overly controlling and allowing students the freedom to navigate their college experience.
