Helicopter Parents
Corporate America is under attack by helicopter parents!
A growing number of HR directors say it’s now the norm to receive phone
calls from over-involved parents hounding them about everything from
why their child didn’t get hired to why they aren’t getting a raise.
Even though it sounds like having meddling parents would be a career-killing move, a lot of experts say that it won’t hurt children’s careers.
Why? Experts say most companies realize it’s pointless to waste time and energy fighting helicopter parents. After all, years ago teachers tried to neutralize them with no luck.
So instead of going up against helicopter parents, most companies are welcoming them and their children. For example, the car rental company Enterprise sends parents of interns the same recruitment packages it sends to their kids. And when the interns present their final projects and are offered full-time jobs, parents are invited to the hiring day.
Other companies are organizing “Take Your Parents to Work” days, so mom and dad can get a peek at what their child does at the office, and meet their boss and co-workers.
The thinking is that if helicopter parents feel involved from the get-go, they’ll trust the company more and will be much less likely to hound the company on their children’s behalf. But experts warn that there is one major helicopter parenting behavior that will jeopardize your child’s career. It’s showing up at a job interview with your child. That sends the message to the HR director that your child can’t do anything without you.
Even though it sounds like having meddling parents would be a career-killing move, a lot of experts say that it won’t hurt children’s careers.
Why? Experts say most companies realize it’s pointless to waste time and energy fighting helicopter parents. After all, years ago teachers tried to neutralize them with no luck.
So instead of going up against helicopter parents, most companies are welcoming them and their children. For example, the car rental company Enterprise sends parents of interns the same recruitment packages it sends to their kids. And when the interns present their final projects and are offered full-time jobs, parents are invited to the hiring day.
Other companies are organizing “Take Your Parents to Work” days, so mom and dad can get a peek at what their child does at the office, and meet their boss and co-workers.
The thinking is that if helicopter parents feel involved from the get-go, they’ll trust the company more and will be much less likely to hound the company on their children’s behalf. But experts warn that there is one major helicopter parenting behavior that will jeopardize your child’s career. It’s showing up at a job interview with your child. That sends the message to the HR director that your child can’t do anything without you.
