University Provides Landing Pad For Helicopter Parents
By Dr. Marciene Mattleman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Helicopter parents, a somewhat new PHRASE in our lexicon - those moms and dads who are deeply involved with their college kids - are often laughed at and considered a nuisance. But the University of Tennessee at Martin, has built them a heliport, described in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
While parents and colleges want kids to become independent, there's recognition that some aren't so ready, and for parents as welL, the transition is hard.
At MyUTMartinParent Portal, parents can see what courses their offspring are taking, if they're missing classes, midterm and final grades and any warnings from professors about behavior or academics. The portal has been used since 2012 and more than 90% of freshmen have opted in.
Brandy Cartmell, interim executive for student engagement says for first generation the hazards of helicopter parenting pale compared with the hazards of disengagement, hoping the portal will help redirect parents' energy and understanding of how they can be of help to their kids.