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How can parents raise confident, independent kids without helicopter parenting? In this episode, we break down what helicopter parenting looks like, why it happens, and how it can affect kids’ confidence, self-esteem, and anxiety.

We share real-life examples of how to build independence step by step — from ordering food to handling chores, homework, and advocating at school. With a focus on both neurotypical and neurodiverse kids, we explore simple strategies like visual checklists, role-playing, and breaking tasks into manageable steps to help children thrive with confidence and resilience.

What You’ll Learn:

• Everyday signs of helicopter parenting
• How overparenting fuels anxiety and low self-esteem
• Ways to balance safety with independence
• Practical scaffolding for neurodiverse children

✨ Whether your child is neurotypical or neurodiverse, this episode offers tools to help them grow into capable, self-reliant young adults.

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📚 References

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• Carr, A. et al. (2021). Excessive parental control and child independence.
• Cisler, J. M. et al. (2010). Emotion regulation and anxiety. Journal of Anxiety Disorders.
• Grolnick, W. S. (2003). The psychology of parental control: How well-meant parenting backfires. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Gross, J. J. (2015). Emotion regulation: Current status and future prospects. Psychological Inquiry.
• Moè, A., & Katz, I. (2021). Autonomy-supportive parenting and adaptive emotion regulation strategies.
• Plante, T. G., PhD, ABPP. (2011, October 17). In Defense of Helicopter Parents. Psychology Today.
• Renault, C. et al. (2023). Helicopter parenting, psychological needs frustration, and anxiety.
• Riediger, M., & Klipker, K. (2014). Emotion regulation in adolescence.
• Robazza, C. et al. (2023). Psychological needs satisfaction and emotion regulation in adolescence.
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist.
• Sadoughi, M. (2024). Overparenting and adolescent anxiety. Acta Psychologica.
• Sadoughi, M. (2024). Overparenting and adolescent’s trait anxiety: Unraveling the roles of basic psychological needs frustration and emotion dysregulation. Acta Psychologica, 251, 104579. Elsevier.
• Schäfer, J. O., et al. (2017). Emotion regulation and risk for anxiety disorders.
• Schiffrin, H. H., et al. (2021). Helicopter parenting and anxiety.
• Soenens, B., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2010). A theoretical upgrade of the concept of parental psychological control: Proposing new insights on the basis of self-determination theory. Developmental Review.
• Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Ten Ways to Build Independence.