A Washington newspaper has a refreshing editorial on the coddled-gen-y-in-the-workplace phenom. What is going through parents' minds when they write a reference letter, show up to an interview, or call a prospective boss to complain?
"The article states, "As Generation Y enters the job force, parents of new hires are calling employers to negotiate salary and benefits, and some are even showing up at job fairs."
These parents are kindly known as "helicopter parents" (hence the hovering) rather than, say, clinging, controlling, overly-involved, infantilizing, freaky weird parents."
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After spending tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of dollars on elementary school, secondary school, college, admissions exams, applications, etc., is it any wonder that parents feel significantly invested in their kids' success?
I understand that some of this behavior is ridiculous, but allow me to play devil's advocate for a second: is behavior necessarily inappropriate just because it is new to this generation?
One more thought: as we all know, wealthy and connected parents often call on their friends and professional networks to help their kids get jobs. So why is it always wrong when less wealthy parents try to vouch for their kids?
wow.
as a gen y'er or a millenial, i would be humiliated by this behavior. Over the years I have seen my friends parents practially "micro manage" thier lives. Everything from picking friends, choosing courses or colleges, even writing speeches etc.
This is nothing but damaging. It has created a huge divid amongst my peers and unfortunately, many were never given the ability to handle thier lives themselves.
I would have to go on record to say the "helicopter parents" where thier intentions are probably quite pure, are severly damaging.
I am in no way trying to say that they have "cared too much" or "tried too hard" its not a mater of careing or trying, its a matter of control and driven by fear and worry.
Face it helicopter paretns, you have some amazingly talented childern, who can do some impressive things on thier own. Let go, let them live a little. You taught them well, defiantely well enough for them to handle a job search solo. Do you know how hard it is to ride a bike if your dad wont let go of the back?
millenial.
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