Helicopter, Lawnmower or Good Enough? Modern Parentlng Styles
Jul 21, 2017
What is considered safe parenting now is so different to say, that in the 1970's, where children were able to roam about and left to their own devices.
Now, playing at home, inside, is standard for 8 -12 year olds and the distance they are allowed from home has shrunk 90% since the 1970's. (read more)
Parents worry more now. The "helicopter" parent hovers, ready to fly in and solve, help or protect. The "lawnmower" parent is ahead of the child, smoothing the way, predicting problems.
All this attention from parents isn't actually helping children, as teachers are aware. Always providing stimulation dulls creativity and imagination, the hovering parent can create anxiety in the child. Risk taking is part of development.
50 years ago, Donald Woods, a paediatrician and psychoanalyst introduced "good enough parenting" as a way to develop secure, independent children. Perhaps he was onto something..
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Flying Bookworm Theatre - primary and secondary incursions
There are very few incursion companies catering both to primary and secondary students. One is Flying Bookworm Theatre, who encourage delight in English and Drama for all audiences, though their focus is more for secondary students.
Touring is to Qld, NSW, ACT and Victor
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Years 7 -9 - how to foster engagement
Research shows students beginning high school suffer, not just for a short time, but they often, lose confidence, are less inclined to be engaged or persevere. Students became more worried and sad, feeling less happiness and optimism and these feelings can last for years.
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Naplan - scores similar but low participation in NT
We're sure teachers will have a better read of the scores, but they seem roughly the same as previously.
What really stands out to us is -
- The low participation of NT students and also that
- Despite Victorian teachers dissatisfaction, scores of Victorian students was either hig