The Affluenza Teen – Helicopter Parenting to the Extreme

The Texas teens parents on court day in 2014

You’ve probably heard about the Texas teenager, raised in a very affluent home environment, who killed four people driving drunk – and yet was sentenced ONLY to probation. His attorney defended him by explaining that he was never taught to be concerned about the consequences of his actions – because Mommy and Daddy would always take care of the consequences by throwing massive amounts of money at it.

Please recognize that affluenza parenting and helicopter parenting have parallels, i.e., excusing away bad or ineffective actions and behaviors.

One of the most pervasive responses I have seen in MOST human beings in over 25+ years of coaching human performance is that when the individual comes up short, i.e., misses a goal or fails or procrastinates – is rationalization. You will recall that a rationalization is an excuse YOU BELIEVE. It’s different than “the dog ate my homework” – which no one believes. Each time you or your teenager attempts to rationalize away some erroneous or failed attempt, it’s important for their future and well-being to note it, discuss it, and plan how to avert or avoid it ‘next time.’ IF YOU DON’T, even if this time the excuse was legitimate, you have laid the cognitive foundation for future such excuses – which they will or may believe! You should strive to recognize and install ways to think and plan which will avoid or prevent such bad habits – for a more successful life for your teenager!!