There has been a lot said about “helicopter parenting.” This trend title crashed upon us an estimated ten years ago to describe the parent that hovered around their children, managing their child’s home, school and social environments. Some helicopter parents swear by this success. Some helicopter parents can’t help themselves.

But I can now announce to you that a new kind of parenting is emerging. And it uses another aviation symbol (though I believe that is mere coincidence). Introducing “jet fighter parenting.” This type is parents keep their distance, swoop in for emergencies, then fly out. In simpler words, these types of parents are okay with children failing as learning. They want to raise curious and brave children.

Are neither of these you? Wait! There are more catchy parenting styles to choose from! (Can you hear my sarcasm?)

“Lighthouse parents” stand on the shore, providing a beacon of light for their children. These parents try to provide a steady beam of light to keep their children afloat when the waters get rough.

“Satellite parents” are watchful, like helicopter parents. But unlike the more invasive parents, satellite parents orbit their children from a distance, which makes them less likely to intervene.

“Bulldozer parents” are even more vigilant and aggressive than helicopters. This hyper-involved parent is on duty to anticipate and then roll over any difficulty in their child’s way.

“Lawn mower parents” clears the way for children, mowing down obstacles and smoothing the path before them so they don’t have to encounter any bumps. Also called “snowplow parents.”

“Curling parents” describe parents who brush the ice in front of their children so they can easily glide forward in life.

“Tiger parents” pressure their children to attaining high levels of academic achievement, using authoritarian parenting methods.

Sheesh. Why do we have to label everything? It’s hard enough to be a parent and feel confident that we know what we are doing.

How about this?

“In every moment when you are parenting, you are being parented. In every moment when you are called to give grace, you are being given grace. In every moment when you are rescuing and protecting your children, you are being rescued and protected. In every moment when you feel alone, you are anything but alone because he goes wherever you go.” –Paul David Tripp, Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family

(This book has more life-giving quotes to encourage you.)

God has chosen you to parent and he will equip you specifically for the child he has given you. God will use the life of your child to grow his grace inside of you. The Holy Spirit is maturing you from the inside out, even when you don’t notice it. Even when you are not awake. So, maybe the Holy Spirit is doing the same with your child.

You’ve got this. Without a catchy label.

(photo credit: Pixabay.com)