Tired of the criticism “helicopter” parents get for being warm and affectionate with their kids and for keeping close tabs on them, for instance, by asking about school, monitoring their computer usage and checking out their friends? Well, turns out, not only are parents who hover doing their kids a favor, they’re helping their grandkids, too. That’s the news from Oregon State University researchers who recently studied three generations of families and found that kisses, hugs and active involvement in your children’s lives make them more likely to have high self-esteem, try harder in school and have closer relationships with pals. What’s more, they’re more likely to grow up to become great parents (just like you) who pass along these positive traits to their own sons and daughters!
[photo: Chewonki Semester School]
