As a new parent I may not be the most educated person on this topic but I am a thinker.

My son is only 16 months old so I have not had the opportunity to be a “helicopter parent.” Actually at this age I have to be a helicopter parent. If I am not, other helicopter parents will call in family and youth services to make sure I become a helicopter parent. Anyway, those parents who are having trouble letting go of little Junior at college or after college; they are considered true helicopter parents.

The thought of moving out and letting their kids stretch their wings seems to be too much for some parents. Will I be like these parents when my son Noah is old enough to stretch his wings? Who’s to say? What is clear from real life examples’ that we all have seen is there seems to be a line that parents need to stay away from when it comes to allowing their children to step out on their own. The reason parents need to stay away from that invisible line is because at one point these young adults will need to sink or swim. Most helicopter parents, and I am generalizing here, have probably done everything possible to make their kids life more comfortable and more exciting than their childhood was. They have had the best and have been the best at everything they put their hands to. They probably have not had the opportunity to fail all that often because of their sheltered lifestyle. The concept of winners and losers has been lost in our nation’s youth. Everyone is a winner…right? With that said helicopter parents are by no means uncaring parents in fact they are just the opposite. They are almost too caring. Can someone be to caring? Jerry Seinfeld call your office. However, the extreme of anything can be bad. Moderation is much better.

Here are suggestions to helicopter parents.

1. Let your kids sink or swim in college and real life.
2. Don’t go to work with your kids, ever, ever ever, ever…. Is that enough evers?
3. Doni’t attend job fairs with your kids…ever, ever,ever, ever
4. Support them emotionally and financially if needed but step back from the decision making process. Let them sink or swim.
5. Be happy that your kids are finally moving out of your house. Enjoy the lower water bill, lower cell phone bill, lower electric bill, and cleaner house in general.
6. Finally, remember that statistics tell us that a large percentage of new graduates will at one time or another move home to get back on their feet. Enjoy your time without them while they are gone because they may come home soon and this time it might be with a significant other.

Check out this video from MSNBC on helicopter parents.