Colleges cope with 'helicopter parents'

   Helicopter parents - a term coined for moms and dads who tend to hover over their kids - isn't just an American thing.

   Dennis Black, vice president of student affairs at the University at Buffalo, pointed out they're found in Scandinavia, too, but under a different moniker: "curling parents."

   It's in reference to the sport of curling, where players sweep the ice to remove obstacles in front of the gliding stone. Likewise, curling parents try to remove all the obstacles in the way of their children.

   Of course, extreme helicopter parents, who go overboard to make sure no harm comes to their kids, get a special classification: "Black Hawks," a name taken from the military helicopter.

   There were some self-proclaimed and proud helicopter parents at UB's recent parent orientation, where for two days they got an introduction to the college experience from the parent's point of view.

   But it's not just parents attending college orientation, anymore - it's the whole family.

   "Now, they may be bringing a younger sibling or grandparent along," said Sheila Hausrath, vice president for student life at Niagara University. "We've seen more of that in the past few years."

   --- Jay Rey

       

Comments

[I Love Broken Gold]

I hope UB addressed the dangers of living on or near south campus, aka downtown Crackington.