1. Imparting the FIRST Philosophy to Parents From Helicopters to Lawnmowers: Kathie Kentfield FIRST Senior Mentor Director, NEMO

2. What’s a Helicopter Parent? Am I one? You can’t let go. You push your child to succeed. You’re a lobbyist. You’re a security guard. You’re the homework helper. You don’t respect independence. You always give in. You are over-prepared.

3. What’s a Lawnmower Parent? Lawnmower parents are nicknamed so because they mow down every obstacle – perceived or real – that may be in their child’s way.

4. Soccer Moms and FIRST They don’t understand our philosophy of Gracious Professionalism, Coopertition, of working together while competing like crazy.

5. We’re Not in Mayfield Anymore 50s – 70s – proper behavior brings rewards 70s-80s brings mom into workplace, divorced households, latch-key kids Internet and information age has generated fear and a change in parenting styles

6. So How Does this Relate to Your FRC Team? Fears about the unknown may bring about hovering behavior Trying out for drive team may bring about lawnmower behavior Soccer mom mentality may be brought to your competition events

7. Dealing with Overparenting Listen to the parents. They may have legitimate concerns. Don’t be afraid of change. Team organization should include team handbook Define roles, expectations

8. FIRST Philosophy Communicate the FIRST ethos of Coopertition and Gracious Professionalism.

9. Involved Parents Stay connected to their kids – and your team - in a healthy way. Allow independence while monitoring them. Allow their kids to make mistakes, suffer the consequences, and allow kids to solve their own problems.

10. Happy Parents = Happy Kids = Happy Teams Agree to listen to their side before making decisions, especially involving their child. Compromise if possible. Recognize that your parents may not embrace the FIRST philosophies. You may have to ask the parent to leave the team. Refer to policies in Team Handbook. Emphasize FIRST’s mission and philosophies.

11. Sources: Don't Be a Helicopter Or a Lawnmower! Learn the Lingo!http://www.parentfurther.com/blog/dont-be-helicopter-or-lawnmower-learn-lingohttp://www.parentfurther.com/blog/dont-be-helicopter-or-lawnmower-learn-lingo Rachael Rettner, “Helicopter Parents Have Neurotic Kids,” msnbc.com, June 3, 2010. Nancy Gibbs, “The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting,” Time magazine, November 20, 2009. The Psychology of the FIRST Experience, John E. Abele, FIRST Vice Chairman Longing for the carefree parenting style of yesterday? By Kelly Wallace, CNN http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/09/living/motherhood-now-vs-then-parents/ http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/09/living/motherhood-now-vs-then-parents/ Are You a Helicopter Parent? 10 Telltale Signs http://www.education.com/slideshow/helicopter-parenting/You-cant-let-go/ http://www.education.com/slideshow/helicopter-parenting/You-cant-let-go/