Being bad in class is linked to parents

CHILDREN with overcontrolling parents are more likely to struggle at school and act up in the classroom, says a study.

Researchers said socalled “helicopter parenting” could have a negative impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing, leaving them unable to cope in social situations.

While overbearing parents can mostly have good intentions, children who learn to handle challenging situations on their own will have more success later in life, the scientists said.

Lead author Nicole Perry, from the University of Minnesota, said: “Our research showed children with helicopter parents may be less able to deal with the challenging demands of growing up, especially with navigating the school environment.

“Children who cannot regulate their emotions and behaviour effectively are more likely to act up in the classroom, to have a harder time making friends and to struggle in school.”

The study involved 422 children and found that over-controlling parenting at the age of two was associated with bad behaviour and poorer emotional wellbeing by the age of five.

Meanwhile, those better able to regulate emotions at the age of five were more likely to have better social skills and be more productive at school by the age of 10, the study said.