Wings or Handcuffs? The Dilemmas of Helicopter Parenting Based on a Systematic Literature Review

Zsófia Kocsis (), Dorka Kas and Gabriella Pusztai
Additional contact information
Zsófia Kocsis: MTA-DE-Parent-Teachers Cooperation Research Group, Department of Educational Studies, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Dorka Kas: MTA-DE-Parent-Teachers Cooperation Research Group, Department of Educational Studies, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Gabriella Pusztai: MTA-DE-Parent-Teachers Cooperation Research Group, Department of Educational Studies, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-20

Abstract: Modern parenting styles cover a wide spectrum, from strict tiger parenting to supportive lighthouse parenting. Among these, helicopter parenting remains particularly controversial: while some consider it a protective approach, others believe that excessive control can hinder the development of a child’s autonomy and independence. Our research is significant because it approaches the topic from a rarely examined pedagogical perspective, thereby contributing to the psychology-dominated literature. We conducted our analysis using the EBSCO Discovery Service search engine and followed the steps of the PRISMA protocol. The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between helicopter parenting and academic achievement, as well as to review the factors—such as career-related decisions and adaptation—that may play a mediating role in this relationship. It reviews 33 studies published between 2012 and 2024, most of which use quantitative methods. Most of these studies were conducted in the United States and focus primarily on the college-age demographic. Our findings show that recognising and addressing helicopter parenting behaviours is essential to supporting student success. Furthermore, educational institutions should more actively make use of the potential resources and opportunities offered by such parenting behaviours. Overall, our findings confirm that helicopter parenting remains an under-researched topic at both the national and European levels, particularly in the context of education and public education systems, where further research is clearly needed.

Keywords: systematic literature review; overparenting; helicopter parenting behaviour; helicopter parents; parental involvement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/10/621/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/10/621/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:10:p:621-:d:1776013

Access Statistics for this article

Social Sciences is currently edited by Ms. Yvaine Sun

More articles in Social Sciences from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().