I think the newer forms of media (internet, cell phones, texting, IM, etc.) make for a very challenging new area of concern and oversight for all parents. Our kids, at increasingly younger ages, are able to have more “private” conversations and interactions than ever before by a variety of means that were not even thought of when we were kids (I’m in my early 40s). I don’t really know the stereotype of a “helicopter parent” as society would call it, and think in some ways I could be considered one… when I would not classify myself that way at all. What I mean is this – I not only think it is my right, but also my DUTY as a parent to know what my kids are doing – at home, school, on their cell phone – EVERYTHING. I believe that because I believe they are my God-given responsibility to raise “in the way they should go.” In other words, I have to know the state of their hearts and minds in order to guide them rightly… and that includes the types of media they are using as well as HOW they are using them. As the media gets wind of more and more stories of parents who have monitored their kids’ internet/cell/etc. usage, I’m sure the perception of such parents will be spun negatively. But I don’t think that’s because they are doing something wrong… but because we live in a world where people assume that a child has every right an adult has.. which cannot and should not be true. It takes wisdom and maturity to handle certain rights… and children, and even teens to a different degree obviously, are not yet CAPABLE of handling those rights appropriately. Thanks for the question.

I just read your article and I thought it was very interesting. I am a journalism major in NYU and I am doing an article on how the new forms of media have either improved or worsened the publics perception of what society has termed as “helicopter parents.” I was wondering if you could give me some feedback regarding your opinion about this issue. Thank you.

Lindsay

My article is in no way intended to say these are the ONLY things that should be considered. Nor is it an attempt to skirt the entirely adequate qualifications listed in scripture. My articles on this subject are intended to cause churches to think of how serious this task is instead of taking such a non-critical look at the role and need that it meets in their church. And I assume (perhaps wrongly so) that most search committees will be prayerful in their decision and will wait on the Lord to direct, as you suggested. Thanks for your input.