It’s the latest statistical column added to the parenting box score. Alongside psycho-measurement titles such as over-parenting, coach parent, dance mom, dadzilla (I made that one up) is now the best-sounding control-freak label yet: helicopter parent.
Most mentions of helicopter parents in back-to-school and off-to-college stories aren’t about moms and dads certified to fly air ambulances or traffic report choppers. Although, many of their kids probably wish they’d “take off” at certain moments — especially during their youth sports events.
My first thought of helicopter parents are the ones on the sidelines, in the stands and often in the ear of anyone within 100 feet of their voices. These are the parents who insist they can coach their kids and sometimes the entire team better than the actual coach. They’re also known to unleash a volcanic, verbal fury upon referees, umpires and officials.
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After many years of watching youth soccer games, I admit that I have occasionally “voiced my opinion” over what I thought was a questionable offsides call that was sparked by a nanosecond feeling of injustice. But once I had my “I can’t believe I’m becoming that parent” moment during a tournament game down in Champaign, I now focus on keeping a level head as a spectator and have developed a whole new respect for youth sports officials who often brush helicopter parents out of their hair.
As the parent of a youth soccer player and now certified sideline referee, I have a much greater appreciation for everyone who signs up to officiate youth sports. In addition to clearly loving their chosen sports and enjoying being a game manager, they want all participants (including parents) to walk away with a “good game, good effort” feeling. Another thing to keep in mind is that many are teens who play the sport and know more about the rules than their parents.
So how can you spot a youth sports helicopter parent? If I may borrow and alter a line from comedian Jeff Foxworthy: You may be a youth sports helicopter parent if…
— You consistently and loudly offer more real-time instructions to your son or daughter than O’Hare air traffic controllers managing a full pattern of inbound jets.
— Your last reaction to an official’s call that went against your kid’s team is still going viral on YouTube
— All the other parents who used to sit by you during games are now spread out and claim they’ve plugged in earbuds because they’ve got to be on a conference call — even at 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning.
— Your young athlete thinks you’d have a better view of the game from an actual helicopter.
Eric Scott is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.