A new survey has revealed while mothers are better teachers, kids learn to be independent and risk takers only from their fathers. Yes, that's right! The survey also states that fathers are capable to teach way more than what they are given credit for.
The survey that featured mostly parents from Mumbai was conducted by the Early Childhood Association (ECA), a Mumbai-based think tank consisting of 200 preschools, child specialist and Podar Institute of Education, Santacruz, as its members. Around 1,500 parents were selected randomly from Mumbai and were assigned tasks along with their child and then their actions were studied.
The study revelations
The survey made the following observations:
- nearly 75 percent mothers had a helicopter parenting style, which meant that they have a tendency to hover over their children and are the first ones to offer help at the first sign of trouble
- 68 percent fathers encouraged their children to learn through trial and error and make mistakes.
- Mothers were the ones to use words such as ‘no’ and ‘be careful’ when compared with fathers
- 80% fathers pushed their kids to take risks
- 65 percent mothers don't let their child give up and insist them to keep at a task.
- Comparatively, 32 percent fathers asked their children to give up.
- 72 per cent fathers were on their phones when spending time with their kids, while 42 percent mothers kept their phones aside when with their kids.
“We were surprised by the parenting style implemented by the fathers, we expected them to be much less invested than mothers but they were the ones teaching 21st century skills to the kids,” said Swati Popat Vats, president of ECA.
Ms Vats also added that helicopter parenting was the biggest flaw of mothers. “Such a style kills the child’s ability to be self-reliant. He will always need validation and help from another person," she said.
Signs that you are a helicopter parent
As a parent, we think that we are doing our best to make sure our child leads a healthy and happy life, but unknowingly sometimes we become too overprotective. Moreover, we might not often notice is. Here are a few signs that might indicate that you are a helicopter parent as well:
1. You are afraid to let your child play alone with his friends and continuously monitor him
2. You don't let your child do their school project the way they want to, but insist on helping him throughout, many times doing what he is supposed to do.
3. You don't let your child speak when confronted by strangers, teachers or relatives and often speak on his behalf.
4. You are too afraid to let your child take risks and often force him to do something that you want.
5. You are ready to hold him even before he falls, quite literally!
Also read: 11 signs of identifying helicopter parents. Are you one?
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