Teacup Children

[2Kds2K9]

In talking with fellow Mom's a couple of months ago, I commented that we have a generation of over achievers raising a generation of underachievers. Kids today don't need to worry about getting to practice on-time 'cause Mom will make sure they do. Don't need to worry about that term paper 'cause Mom will type and edit it for them. They don't need to be responsible for anything 'cause Mom will make sure it is taken care of and done well.

In the meantime, Mom is running ragged. Driving kids to various activities, heading up fund raisers, being troop leaders, making sure "Johnny and Suzy" know what their homework is and helping them get it done. etc. etc. etc.

When DS was in second grade, he had to make a beehive out of clay. I showed him how to make the clay and then let him make his own bee hive. The teacher put the bee hives in the school's display case for all to see. I noticed my son's was not there. The teacher happened to walk up to me while I was viewing the display. I commented to her that she was so lucky to have a class full of talented parents. She got my drift and my son's beehive was in the case the next day along with the other few that were obviously done by second graders.

Personally, I fall on the side where I want my kids to learn to be independant. I want to give them roots in hopes they will fly on their own.

 

[babytrees]

My oldest DD is a senior in HS and the only non-tea cup I can find (gotta love that term). I have always made sure she has been responsible for HER actions, words, and inactions. I don't sugar coat the world for her but I also don't make it a scary place.

This year seems to be the worst for the other band parents....sure they flew over their kids before, but now I have to hold on to something so I don't blow away with the wind they create from the helicopter blades.

Younger DD (8th grader) seems to have a nice mix of tea cup and "regular" friends. My Best friend is a helicopter parent to the extreme but her son is not a tea cup, he is a rebel of a different color.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

Interesting thread! I've noticed that kids seem to be throwing temper tantrums at much older ages than I remember from the days I was raising kids. I assumed (and expected) children would mature out of tantrums around age 3, and am always surprised these days to see 8 and 9 year olds dissolve into angry tears when they don't get some little thing they want. Teacups in training, I guess.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Interesting thread! I've noticed that kids seem to be throwing temper tantrums at much older ages than I remember from the days I was raising kids. I assumed (and expected) children would mature out of tantrums around age 3, and am always surprised these days to see 8 and 9 year olds dissolve into angry tears when they don't get some little thing they want. Teacups in training, I guess.

A tantrum at 8 or 9?

I think they have long ago completed their training. That sounds more like a journeyman level of tantrum to get their way.