Issue of Hovering Parents
IssueIssue of hovering parents
THE issue of hovering parents or “helicopter parents” who micromanage their children's lives in Sunday Star's “When parents go too far” struck a chord with some readers.
It reminded Patrick of the experience of his friend who works in the personnel department of a multinational corporation.
“She received a call from a mother telling her that her daughter is a great student and usually gets good results in examinations. She wanted the company to set aside a scholarship for her daughter after she completed her STPM. Can you imagine that?” he says.
The most amazing part of this kisah benar (true story), he adds, is that the said daughter will only complete her STPM in four years' time. Nevertheless, he gives the mother credit for doing her research before contacting the company.
“She wants the company to give a scholarship for her daughter to study in the country where the company is headquartered.”
The mother is very adamant, but it is also her brand of doggedness that creates problems for employers, he opines.
“These are the people who will not hesitate to complain to the managing director if you give her the wrong answer or tell her that reserving a scholarship now for her daughter cannot be done.”
Another reader, Ng Kok Hong, takes a different stand.
Pointing out that we are living in a very intense era, he argues: “Is there anything wrong with parents guiding their children in this competitive world? In the 1940s, even a man who started by tapping rubber can become a millionaire, (but now) if a parent shows no guidance like a helicopter, then they must be stupid as this young generation needs guidance and not wild freedom.”
Jules Tan wrote in to say that she suddenly had an enormous urge to hug her parents and thank both of them after reading the report on the perils of helicopter parenting.
“I am so glad that my parents were not involved in my career selection whatsoever,” she says.
Tan reminisces on when
THE issue of hovering parents or “helicopter parents” who micromanage their children's lives in Sunday Star's “When parents go too far” struck a chord with some readers.
It reminded Patrick of the experience of his friend who works in the personnel department of a multinational corporation.
“She received a call from a mother telling her that her daughter is a great student and usually gets good results in examinations. She wanted the company to set aside a scholarship for her daughter after she completed her STPM. Can you imagine that?” he says.
The most amazing part of this kisah benar (true story), he adds, is that the said daughter will only complete her STPM in four years' time. Nevertheless, he gives the mother credit for doing her research before contacting the company.
“She wants the company to give a scholarship for her daughter to study in the country where the company is headquartered.”
The mother is very adamant, but it is also her brand of doggedness that creates problems for employers, he opines.
“These are the people who will not hesitate to complain to the managing director if you give her the wrong answer or tell her that reserving a scholarship now for her daughter cannot be done.”
Another reader, Ng Kok Hong, takes a different stand.
Pointing out that we are living in a very intense era, he argues: “Is there anything wrong with parents guiding their children in this competitive world? In the 1940s, even a man who started by tapping rubber can become a millionaire, (but now) if a parent shows no guidance like a helicopter, then they must be stupid as this young generation needs guidance and not wild freedom.”
Jules Tan wrote in to say that she suddenly had an enormous urge to hug her parents and thank both of them after reading the report on the perils of helicopter parenting.
“I am so glad that my parents were not involved in my career selection whatsoever,” she says.
Tan reminisces on when