So this term is what I used in another post. To me, it is NOT just being a concerned parent, we are all, hopefully, concerned about our children's well being.

To me, helicopter parenting is when "those" parents do things such as call the Dean of the college to get a grade changed, and threaten to sue, or go to their 30 yr old child's interview for a job, to "make sure they get it" or even more so, continue to call said potential employer to see how things are "moving along." The parents who never want their child to feel disappointment, a part of our lives that made us stronger.

Some of the articles I have come across say it best.

Like this one: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/209473_copterparents.html
He thinks children are being coddled and protected to a degree that threatens their ability later in life to strike off on their own and form healthy relationships and proper job skills.

And even though I tend to stay away from Wikipedia, they said it wonderfully! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter_parent

Now, I am a very involved parent, part of the school and county PTA's. But I have to draw the line somewhere, and let them face the consequences of their actions. If they get bad grades, they know they have privileges taken away. If they lose a game, they lose, there is no "letting" them win, or trying to make it so everyone is a winner...that is not how life works!

Of course, I would want to know if they are in trouble at school, so I can talk about it with them, and work out ways to help them. But I am not going to go over board, threaten the school, teachers, etc...

We were all taught to be responsible for our actions, and I see no reason why our kids should learn any different.