This program originally aired on Januray 28.2010.

Is so-called “Helicopter Parenting” a sign of concern in a scary world? Or is it creating a “Nation of Wimps?”

Today, parents have the option of leashes for their children, baby kneepads to cut down on scrapes and scratches…and for older kids, backpacks complete with GPS monitoring. Children are sheltered from germs and over-burdened with tutoring and extra-curricular activities. And with the prevalence of cell phones, parents can always be in touch. It’s called “Helicopter Parenting”, and while some parents say it’s a necessary reaction in today’s society, others worry that over-parenting is harmful to kids…turning them into adults who can’t think or act by themselves.