78 Unit 05 | Live and learn Now read the texts about five different approaches to parenting. Choose the correct texts (A–E) for each question (1–9). You can use a text more than once. Write your answers in the boxes provided. The first one (0) has been done for you. READING 20 Perfect parents or perfect nuisance? A Helicopter parents Helicopter parents spend a lot of time ‘hovering’. They aim to protect their children from academic, physical, social and emotional challenges. They closely monitor their kids’ activities and schoolwork, hoping to shield them from pain and disappointment while helping them succeed. This may also mean overhelping, such as heavily assisting with homework or school projects to make sure they get good grades. Helicopter parents may even confront children they believe are bullying their child or restrict outdoor play for safety reasons. However, these actions can have long-term consequences. Research on college students has found that the more parents ‘helicopter’, the greater the risk of student depression and anxiety. B Lawnmower parents Lawnmower parents are also overly involved in their children’s lives, but they take it a step further by removing obstacles before their child even encounters them. These parents ‘mow down’ challenges, eliminating any resistance and doing whatever it takes to prevent difficulty, struggle or failure. Rather than simply offering guidance or support with schoolwork and revision, they may complete entire assignments, especially big projects or research papers. While their intentions are protective, this approach can have unintended consequences. Instead of preparing their children for life and teaching self-discipline, they shield them from challenges, leaving them unprepared to deal with setbacks on their own. C Tiger parents This term comes from Amy Chua’s memoir Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, in which she describes her very strict parenting style. She insisted that her daughters spend hours and hours practising their musical instruments and would only accept them finishing at the top of the class in school. Tiger parents are highly controlling, focusing solely on the end goal such as final exams, rather than the journey itself. They may forbid their children from attending sleepovers, parties with friends or any activities which they consider non-academic. This parenting style raises an important question: Is academic excellence, as defined by the parent, more important than the child’s happiness, personal dreams and interests? Critics argue that children raised this way may often struggle with low selfesteem, guilt and shame. D Jackhammer parents The name comes from these parents’ tendency to make a lot of noise and stir up trouble wherever they go. They are known for being disruptive, with a sense of defiance that drives their strong need to defend their children at all costs. These parents often create conflict at school, demanding special treatment for their child from teachers and school administrators. They take caring to extremes by constantly challenging authority over grades, coursework, assignments and disciplinary actions. This not only creates a difficult environment for teachers but also sends a harmful message to their children – that they don’t need to take responsibility for their own actions. E Free-range parents Free-range parents teach their children essential practical skills while allowing them the freedom to explore and make independent choices. They expose their children to the world without constant supervision, encouraging problem-solving and self-reliance. Unscheduled activities and free play are common. Free-range parents may let their children take public transport or walk to school alone, often at an age when other parents might still accompany their kids. This approach can give the appearance Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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