Helicopter Parents

Today, I met a true helicopter parent. I've always considered myself something of a helicopter parent. In truth, I only feel obliged to correct my children's misbehavior, not their technique. For example, I will yell at encourage my children to run, instead of walk, while playing soccer. But, I have no desire to correct their kick, or the way they block the ball. I will tell my children to be quiet during drama, but have no desire to tell them how to do their skit. That doesn't mean I won't critique their performance, but while they are in a particular class, I feel that it is the job of the teacher or coach to notice and take care of those things.

We started tae kwon do last week--all four of us. Tonight, we had our first group classes. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but one of the big bonuses of martial arts is the discipline that is installed, both self discipline and class discipline. The children (or adults) learn quickly to speak when spoken to, and to follow directions. So, I feel no need to exert any discipline at all. In fact, if other classes were as disciplined, I wouldn't feel the need in those classes. However, when a child is being disruptive and the instructor does nothing about it, I feel the need to correct that behavior. At any rate, there was another child who was there for the first time tonight. His mother sat up in the viewing area and corrected her child at every turn.

"Johnny, switch feet." (the teacher had said left, and the child was bending right)
"Johnny, don't forget to gihap."
"Johnny, do this. Do that. Touch your toes. Touch your nose."

Okay fine, the last was not what she said. But, seriously, I wanted to say to her, "He has a teacher. Give him a minute and he'll correct your son. Perhaps it isn't important for him to be perfect during his first class."

Oh well. So long as there are children, there will be helicopter parents. I'm just happy to know I'm not really a helicopter parent.