This is Your Life, Not Your Parents'

It seems recently there have been a number of advice blog posts for parents or young people with parents who hover. You've probably heard the term helicopter parents. It's used to describe parents who hover over their children to the point of doing everything for them.

There are a number of reasons that parents hover. Wanting to keep control, wanting to just get it done quick and easy and not have to watch their child struggle or fail. Whatever the reason there is a difference between seeing a parent as a confidant and as someone who has to make all their decisions for them.

I have one friend of mine whose mother is constantly playing the guilt card on her daughter. She thinks that everything my friend does is a direct attack on her as a her mother. This is not healthy and dealing with a parent like this can be difficult. I am blessed that my parents have done their best to help me out but let me make my own decisions free from guilt on their part.

There is nothing more rewarding than succeeding at something that you've taken a risk on. And you learn from the ones where you fail and lose something. Use your parents' insight to gain experience when you have none. Ask for advice and be open to it. But don't let them live your lives for you. This is your life. Take ownership of it.

Today I attended a job fair and a parent asked me a question about his son getting into the construction industry. The son was standing right next to him and did not once look me in the eye. I don't know his story and maybe there was something more there but to me as an outsider it seems that while his parent said that he was interested in getting a job, if he's not the one trying to get it then how interested can this kid really be?

Sometimes we just have to take a leap and accept that there will be consequences and all. We have to take responsibility for our desires and interests and make things happen. It's called growing up. Sometimes it's great and sometimes it sucks. We all make stupid decisions and make good ones. It's ok.

Be you! Make your own decisions, make mistakes! Learn from them and grow! This is your life.