In recent years, the term helicopter parenting has become increasingly common in Chinese media and social discourse. This phenomenon refers to the intense and often overbearing involvement of parents in their children’s lives, particularly in their education. A recent article in 36氪 (36Kr), a leading technology and business news platform in China, raises an interesting question: has the first generation of helicopter parents, born in the 1980s, already cut off their supply of parenting?
Background of Helicopter Parents in China
In China, the term helicopter parents (鸡娃 jī wá) has been widely used to describe parents who are highly involved in their children’s academic and extracurricular activities. This phenomenon has been fueled by the competitive education system and the pressure to achieve high academic performance. Parents often engage in various activities, from enrolling their children in after-school tutoring classes to monitoring their homework and test scores meticulously.
The 1980s generation, born between 1980 and 1989, was the first to experience the full brunt of the country’s rapid economic and social changes. They grew up during a period when China was transitioning from a planned economy to a market-oriented one, and they were the first generation to benefit from the economic boom. Many of these parents have witnessed the fierce competition and the high stakes associated with education, leading them to adopt a helicopter parenting approach to ensure their children’s success.
The Generation’s Transition
According to the article, the first wave of helicopter parents is now reaching a point where their children are entering adulthood. As their children begin to make their own life choices, these parents are gradually stepping back, a process referred to as cutting off the supply. This shift is not only a generational change but also a reflection of changing societal attitudes and expectations.
Economic and Social Changes
Economic changes have played a significant role in this transition. As the 1980s generation has become more affluent, they are no longer as dependent on their children’s success to secure their own financial future. Many of these parents have already achieved their career goals and are now focusing on their own lives and interests.
Social changes have also contributed to this shift. There is a growing awareness of the importance of personal freedom and independence among the younger generation. Young adults are increasingly asserting their own desires and making decisions based on their own interests and values, rather than those imposed by their parents.
Educational Attitudes
Educational attitudes have also evolved. The intense academic pressure that characterized the early years of the helicopter parenting era is now being questioned. There is a growing recognition that excessive parental involvement can sometimes hinder a child’s development of independent thinking and problem-solving skills. Many parents are now adopting a more balanced approach, allowing their children to explore their own interests and make their own choices.
Conclusion
The article in 36氪 suggests that the first generation of helicopter parents born in the 1980s is indeed moving away from their intensive parenting style. This transition reflects broader societal changes and the changing dynamics between parents and children. While the helicopter parenting phenomenon is still prevalent, there is a growing awareness of the importance of fostering independence and allowing children to grow into responsible adults. As the 1980s generation steps back, they are setting a new precedent for future generations of parents in China.
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