It’s hard to be a parent sometimes. You want to do what’s best for your child and make sure they have everything they need, but you don’t want to smother them either. This is where the concept of helicopter parenting comes in. Helicopter parents are the ones who constantly hover over their children, never letting them out of their sight. While this may seem like the best way to protect your child, it can have negative consequences in the long run. In this blog post, we will discuss how not to be a helicopter parent and give you some tips on how to let your child grow up safely and independently!
So, what are some of the dangers of helicopter parenting? For one, it can lead to your child becoming too reliant on you. They may not learn how to do things on their own and may have trouble when they eventually have to leave the nest. Additionally, helicopter parenting can often be a form of overcompensation. This is when parents try to overcompensate for their childhoods by giving their children everything they didn’t have. However, this can backfire because the child may not learn how to appreciate what they have and may take things for granted.
So, how can you avoid being a helicopter parent?
How Not To Be A Helicopter Parent
1. What is a helicopter parent
Have you ever heard of the term “helicopter parent?” If you haven’t, it’s a parent who is always hovering around their child, never giving them a chance to do anything on their own. This style of parenting often results in kids who lack basic life skills and coping skills. So, how can you avoid being a helicopter parent? Well, first of all, it’s important to teach your kids basic life skills like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting. This will give them the independence they need to succeed in life.
Secondly, you should encourage your kids to try new things and to cope with disappointment. This will help them develop resilience and learn how to handle setbacks. Finally, it’s important to have faith in your kids and let them make their own decisions. This doesn’t mean you should let them do whatever they want, but it does mean that you should trust their judgment and give them the chance to grow up into responsible adults.
One of the best things you can do for your kids is to give them responsibilities. This might seem counterintuitive – after all, aren’t you supposed to be protecting them and solving all their problems? But the truth is that giving kids responsibility is one of the best ways to help them grow into independent, successful adults. When you give your kids chores or other tasks to do, you’re giving them a chance to learn how to solve problems and take care of themselves. And while you might need to give them a little bit of guidance at first, it’s important to resist the urge to do everything for them. Letting them solve problems on their own will give them the confidence and skills they need to succeed in life.
2. Why are they bad
Helicopter parenting gets its name from the way helicopter blades whirl around constantly, never giving the pilot a break. And that pretty much sums up what it’s like to be a helicopter parent: always on, always hovering, never taking a break. It can be tough to watch your kids struggle, but sometimes it’s necessary for their development. Here are three reasons why helicopter parenting is bad for your kids (and how you can avoid it).
First, helicopter parenting doesn’t allow kids to develop the skills they need to cope with adversity. When parents hover, they swoop in and fix every problem, big or small. This might seem like a good thing in the short term, but it prevents kids from learning how to deal with difficult situations. They never learn how to solve problems on their own, and as a result, they become reliant on their parents. Secondly, helicopter parenting can lead to entitled behavior in kids. When parents do everything for their kids, the kids start to expect that everything will be handed to them on a silver platter.
They never learn the value of hard work or how to be grateful for what they have. Finally, helicopter parenting can damage the parent-child relationship. When parents are always hovering, kids never learn how to be independent. They also start to see their parents as overbearing and intrusive and when they become college students, they don’t know how to live on their own.
3. Ways to avoid being one
You want what’s best for your kids, but sometimes it can be tough to know when to let them fly solo. Here are a few tips on how not to be a helicopter parent. First, coach them on how to interact with other people. This includes teaching them how to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts. Secondly, letting kids make their own decisions is an important part of developing independence. This doesn’t mean you should let them do whatever they want – set limits and offer guidance – but allow them the space to make some choices for themselves.
Lastly, don’t do everything for them. Let them dress, pour their milk, and tie their shoes. It may be messy or take longer at first, but it’s important for their development. The sooner kids learn these and other life skills, at a young age, the better off they will be in the long run.
4. The benefits
So what are the benefits of not being a helicopter parent? For one, your kids will learn how to cope with adversity and solve problems on their own. They will also develop a strong work ethic and be grateful for what they have. Finally, your relationship with your kids will improve, and they will be more independent. All of these things will set your kids up for success in life, both academically and socially. Teaching what is right from wrong is always beneficial to children. Teaching them how to think for themselves and make decisions is also beneficial. And teaching them to be independent and take care of themselves is also very beneficial. Teaching kids to be who they are, and not who you want them to be, is probably the most important benefit of all.
Helicopter parenting does none of these things. In fact, helicopter parenting actually does the opposite of all of these things. Helicopter parenting teaches children that they are not capable of taking care of themselves or making decisions for themselves. Helicopter parenting does not allow children to be who they are. But instead tries to mold them into who the parent wants them to be. Helicopter parenting is not beneficial to children; in fact, it does more harm than good. If you want what’s best for your children, don’t be a helicopter parent. Allow them to grow and develop into the independent, successful adults they are meant to be.
What are your thoughts on helicopter parenting? Are you guilty of any of these things? Share your stories and advice
Yearning for the thrill of the open road? California is one of the best places in the USA to go on a road trip. And if you’re on the lookout for the best routes to take in the Golden State, chances are you’re feeling pretty overwhelmed with options.
To make the decision a bit easier, I decided to take the time to list some of my favorite scenic drives in California that everyone must do at least once in their lives. From roads that lead up to sky-high peaks to drives through the desert in search of colorful mountains, these are some of the best scenic drives in California that absolutely need to be on your bucket list this year!
The Most Scenic Drives in California That Will Get Your Jaw on the Ground
1. Highway 395 (Sierra Nevada Mountains)
Sitting at the bottom of the dreamy Sierra Nevada mountains, Highway 395 is an amazing route to take if what you’re looking for is a long road trip with amazing stops lining every mile of the way.
Starting in bustling Los Angeles and ending at peaceful Lake Tahoe, this classic California drive will make you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time into old Western California. As the small towns scattered all over the highway have stayed pretty intact since back then.
Moreover, the highway runs all along the Sierra Nevada mountains, which pretty much guarantees epic mountains vistas the entire way long. As if that weren’t enough to convince you to brave this road trip, this incredibly scenic drive also passes through two of California’s most beautiful national parks: Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park.
If you’re into off-the-beaten path destinations, you’ll also be treated to some of California’s best hidden jewels. Including the whacky-looking Mono Lake, Bristlecone Pine Forest, a ghost town called Bodie, and Devil’s Postpile.
Length: 450 miles
Required TIme: Several days. Highway 395 can take several days to entire weeks to complete depending on how many stops you make. And how much time you linger at each place. Moreover, there are many small detours along the road worth overnighting at. So make sure you take that into account when planning!
2. Highway 190 through Death Valley
Despite its somewhat melancholic name, Death Valley National Park is one of the most colorful and liveliest places in the United States. If you’re short on time or simply don’t feel up for hiking under harsh conditions, a great way to get the most out of your time at this incredible national park is by taking the scenic road (Highway 190) that runs right through it!
The highway will have you passing some of Death Valley’s highlights. Including Mesquite Sand Dunes at Stovepipe Wells, where you can park and head out on a one-mile walk up to the tallest sand dune in the park! Further along the road, you’ll stumble across Scotty’s Castle, a ranch full of history and a glimpse into what life during the 1920s was like in the area.
Next, make sure you stop at Harmony Borax Works. An abandoned mine and borax plant you can explore to get a pretty good picture of what life back in the 1800s was like here.
Another must-do during your visit is taking a little detour and following another incredibly scenic drive: The Artist’s Drive Loop, which is a short road lined by dreamy mountainsides splashed in every color of the rainbow.
At the very end of Highway 190, you’ll find Death Valley’s most iconic sight: Zabriskie Point. This viewpoint gives the most beautiful vistas of the park’s emblematic golden badlands below. Making it a perfect spot to end the drive as well as catch an insanely stunning sunset!
Length: 93 miles
Required Time: One to two days
3. Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway
Cutting through Cuyama, the Valley of San Joaquin, and up to mountain peaks that stand tall over 5,000 feet, the Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway is a dream if what you’re after are gorgeous mountain views and forest adventures.
At just over 36 miles, this drive is relatively short. But dedicating at least two days to it is recommended in order to make a stop to explore Los Padres National Forest, where you can spend a day hiking or horseback riding to get a closer experience to the nature of the area.
If you’re up for hiking, a wonderful trail for beginners is the Piedra Blanca Formations trail, which offers gorgeous views all along as well as wildlife sighting opportunities. Moreover, if you’re feeling up for a more challenging feat, the Dry Lake Ridge Botanical Area hike is a must, especially if you love all things plants!
Distance: 36.5 miles
Required Time: 4 hours just to drive through the road, but at least a day to two days is recommended to make the most out of your time at Los Padres National Forest.
I hope this list of the most scenic drives in California inspired you to hit the road! Even though there are plenty more roads offering incredibly scenic views, these are all great options, especially because they all cross through some of the Golden State’s top highlights and national parks!
Did any of these scenic California drives tempt you to buckle up and head out to the open road? Which one fits your personality the most? Let me know your favorite in the comment section down below.
Hawaii is world-renowned for its white sands and turquoise waters. Beach goodness is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a trip to Oahu. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s also a fantastic place for all sorts of outdoor adventures!
Even though most people who visit Oahu tend to focus on the coast, the island is also a mecca for exploring nature. If you’re currently on the lookout for ways to enjoy Hawaii beyond its beaches or you just want to craft a rounded itinerary that includes a bit of everything, here’s the perfect Oahu bucket list for all things nature!
The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers
Diamond Head
Diamond Head is a volcanic cone that soars high above Waikiki and Honolulu’s skyline. As one of the most iconic natural landmarks, you’ll probably recognize it right away from seeing it on almost every Honolulu postcard!
If you’re looking for an epic hike but don’t necessarily want to travel too far away from the capital, the Diamond Head Summit Trail is just what you’re after. This 1.6-mile trail will take you to the summit of the volcano. And while the distance may be short, the hike can get pretty challenging due to the rapid altitude gain.
Luckily, the entire trail is paved and stairs are provided on the steepest portions of the hike. Moreover, there are plenty of viewpoints with benches along the way, giving you plenty of reasons to rest your legs!
Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
If you love natural scenery but don’t necessarily feel like hiking a volcano or walking deep into the forest, Hommaluhia Botanical Gardens is just what you’re looking for.
Surrounded by the majestic Koolau Mountains, this 400-acre property boasts some of the most idyllic settings on the island (think dreamy lakes, streams, and beautiful hiking trails), a visit to Hoomaluhia is a wonderful way to get to know the flora of Hawaii (and beyond) up close.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Located on the southeastern side of Oahu inside the Koko Head Volcanic region, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a perfect combo of beach goodness and adventures out in nature. Especially if you want to explore Oahu’s beaches and mountains in one go!
Thanks to its relatively low-key status, snorkeling here is an absolute dream. Hundreds of species love swimming around Hanauma’s wine glass-shaped bay. Including several endemic animals. While here, keep your eyes out for Hawaiian green sea turtles, who love hanging out around the bay!
After exploring under Hanauma Bay’s waters, you can continue scouring its lush surroundings by hitting a trail or two. A must while here is braving the Koko Head Crater Trail, which will take you all the way up to the volcano’s crater. Another great hike is the Makupu’u Lighthouse Trail. Which is a wonderful option for beginners or those not looking for a very challenging trail.
Ka’ena Point State Park
Legend in ancient Hawaiian folklore has it that Ka’ena Point is the jumping off point for souls leaving this world and hopping into the spirit realm to join their ancestors.
Located at the northwesternmost tip of Oahu and lined by a volcanic coastline, Ka’ena Point State Park boasts some of the most fabulous views in Oahu. With lots of hiking trails available to enjoy the glorious vistas from different angles.
The Ka’ena Point Trail is a must while visiting. This 5-mile hike will have you rocking your way (get the pun?) along the volcanic coast, where you’ll get to catch fabulous views of the Pacific Coast, stumble across tide pools, and have wildlife encounters all throughout.
Waimea Falls Park
If you’ve always dreamt of hiking in the rainforest, Waimea Falls Park provides a wonderful experience that will have you feeling as though you were somehow transported into the Amazonas.
Set on the North Shore of Oahu, the hike to Waimea Falls is considered one of the best trails on the island. The fact that it’s short and accessible makes it perfect for pretty much anyone keen to tackle it. And even though it’s not a very long trail, it still manages to awe visitors with views of lush botanical gardens, walls covered by enormous plants, and vistas of a striking 45-foot waterfall crashing down into a natural pool.
Moreover, Waimea Falls Park is a wonderful place for those looking to learn about Hawaiian culture and the importance nature has to its people. With lots of educational presentations and workshops on offer for curious visitors to enjoy during their visit.
I hope this list of amazing nature spots in Oahu inspired you to visit a few of these places! Even though the entire island is home to stunning views and places worth visiting, these destinations, in particular, provide an excellent opportunity to get more personal with the nature of Oahu.
Which of these places are you most excited to visit? Feel free to let me know all about your nature-filled Oahu itinerary in the comment section below!
When it comes to beautiful places to hit the road in, Arizona pretty much takes the cake. It doesn’t matter which direction you want to drive. You are sure to find something incredible along the way you haven’t seen before.
Thanks to its enormous size and incredibly dramatic landscapes that range from endless desert terrain to pine forests, very few experiences in the world compare to what scenic driving in Arizona is like.
Put into simple words, scenic driving in The Grand Canyon State is an experience like no other. From extremely picturesque desert landscapes that will make you feel as though you were transported to Mars to driving up alluring mountains, here’s a list of the most scenic drives in Arizona, The Grand Canyon State you’ve got to drive at least once in your life!
The Most Scenic Drives in Arizona
1. Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179)
The Red Rock Scenic Byway may be short at only 14.5 miles. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for with wonderful stops to make and insanely dramatic landscapes.
This byway links Interstate 17 with Sedona, which pretty much means the scenery all the way consists of striking desertscapes. Along the road, you’ll be treated to views of striking red rock formations, tons of trailheads to give you an excuse to stop and take a hike, and some of Sedona’s most famous landmarks (including Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte).
Moreover, you’ll also get the chance to stop and explore Tlaquepaque, a historic Spanish Village. As well as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a unique chapel sitting atop red rocks!
Hot tip: Don’t just assume the only parking spot by Chapel of the Holy Cross is the first one you see. There’s parking up near the top as well that’s generally open, so you don’t have to hike it with your littles.
2. Desert View Drive
Want to see as much of the Grand Canyon in a short amount of time? The Desert View Drive connects the most popular lookout points of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim section, offering a great chance to explore as much of America’s most famous canyon without having to tire your legs out.
As you make your way along the road, you’ll stumble across some of the most striking vistas of the Grand Canyon. And get plenty of chances to park your car at several viewpoints like Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Navajo Point.
Moreover, there are several trailheads for short hikes scattered along the road. If you’re interested in learning more about the area, you can also stop at the Tusayan Pueblo & Museum.
As a tip, keep in mind that this drive is extremely popular. So expect crowds, especially during the summer months.
3. Apache Trail Scenic Byway
The Apache Trail Scenic Byway was once used by the Apache people. Which pretty much means you’ll be driving the exact same route they once took to get from place to place!
This 44-mile scenic drive traverses the northern part of Superstition Mountain, which guarantees spectacular views every mile of the way. Throughout the drive, you’ll be treated to gorgeous desert vistas, get the chance to see a few lakes, zig-zag your way through canyons, and get plenty of excuses to park the car and stop at lookout points to fully take in the views.
This drive is a mix of paved road and gravel. The only community on the drive is Tortilla Flat, which boasts a total population of six people. But does have a little coffee shop for drivers to stop at. Once you get past Tortilla Flat, the road gets very narrow. So it’s not recommended for large RVs.
4. Catalina Highway
Taking drivers all the way from Tucson up to Mount Lemmon, Catalina Highway is extremely unique because it provides a perfect example of how the terrain in Arizona can change in a very short amount of time.
As you make your way through the striking Catalina Mountains, you’ll get to cross mountain forests, plunging canyons tucked away in the desert, and pounding rockscapes – all within only 27 miles!
Aside from getting to feel as though you’re crossing several states in a matter of minutes, this drive will give you the chance to see tons of wildlife as well as pass several hiking trails, picnic areas, camping spots, and overlooks.
5. Monument Valley Scenic Drive (Highway 163)
Driving Monument Valley’s scenic road is as close as you can get to feeling as though you’re inside a Wild West Movie.
As one of Arizona’s most iconic landmarks, Monument Valley’s Highway 163 will take you on an adventure through authentic Navajo Land. Along the road, you’ll get the chance to see the most striking desert landscapes you could ever imagine. Including towering red rock spires, buttes, and all sorts of whacky-looking formations that look as though they belong on an entirely different planet.
Aside from giving you the chance to see some of the most emblematic landscapes Monument Valley has to offer, this drive will also take you to other Arizona highlights. Including the quirky-named village of Mexican Hat and a suspension bridge over the San Juan River.
6. Ajo Mountain Drive
Cutting right through the heart of Organ Pipe Cactus Monument, the Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21-mile road that will have you snaking your way through the Sonoran Desert and all the up to the alluring Ajo Mountains.
Aside from the striking desert scenery all over, what makes this road stand high above the crowds as one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Arizona is the fact that it’s lined by organ pipe cacti and saguaros, two humongous species of cacti you’re not bound to find anywhere else in the world.
Hot Tip: Bring your Passport and continue south to cross the Mexican border about 1 and a half hours to get to our nearest beach town, Rocky Point. By taking this drive, you are already so close. Why not visit where us local Phoenicians go to get out of the heat!
Have you driven any of these scenic Arizona drives? If so, what was your experience like? Feel free to tell us all about it in the comment section below!
California is the perfect place to visit if what you’re after is a bit of diversity in your itinerary. From exciting cities to charming vineyards and towering snow-capped peaks, it’s almost impossible to believe so much beauty can fit into a single place.
Simply put, you could easily dedicate an entire year to exploring the Golden State and still not get to see a quarter of the beauty it has to offer. So if you’re planning a visit and trying to decide what to see and do, chances are you’re currently having a really hard time narrowing down the options.
The good news? Cali isn’t going anywhere. So my biggest recommendation would be to focus on a few main places instead of trying to tick off everything on the list. If you’re visiting for the first time, here are the main spots you definitely don’t want to miss out on during your visit!
Places in California You’ve Got To Visit At Least Once
1. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Home to the largest sequoia trees in the world, this stunning national park will make you feel as though you’re walking inside a storybook forest. Picture views of humongous natural canopies backdropped by snowy mountain peaks and you’ve got a pretty good image of what a visit to Sequoia National Park is all about!
In case you didn’t know, sequoias are the biggest trees in the world. Redwoods can grow taller. But sequoias win in overall size. In fact, General Sherman, the name given to the biggest tree on the planet resides inside Sequoia National Park!
Seeing groves of sequoias is the main highlight during a visit to this majestic national park. But it also has more surprises on the menu for its visitors, including the highest peak and one of the deepest canyons inside the continental USA. The Great Western Divide is also set here, providing some of the most jaw-dropping views of mountains in the distance!
2. McWay Falls
A road trip through Big Sur is a bucket-list-worthy item in itself. But if you don’t have time to do the entire trip, an absolute must-do in your list should be witnessing the beauty of McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
This stunning 80 feet high waterfall cascades down into a gorgeous beach tucked inside a hidden cove, making the view a sight you aren’t bound to forget anytime soon. Accessing McWay falls requires hiking a relatively short and gentle trail, making it a perfect place to stop and stretch your legs after a drive!
3. Lake Tahoe
Imagine a dreamy alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and you’ve got yourself a pretty good picture of what a day spent at Lake Tahoe is all about. Being one of the largest lakes in the USA, Lake Tahoe is home to a myriad of fun activities year-round, making it the perfect respite for any season of the year!
During the summer months, Lake Tahoe’s waters become the stars of the show, with beach activities and watersports turning into the main thing to do for visitors and locals alike. Think paddleboarding, hiking to hidden beaches, or kayaking as a few examples of the activities on offer here – all of which come with stunning views of the lake and the Sierra Mountains off in the distance!
Winter brings in mountain activities. During the colder months, people flock to Lake Tahoe’s world-class ski resorts in search of some serious fun in the snow. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your jam, though, there are plenty of things to do here, including skating, snowshoeing, and hiking!
4. Joshua Tree National Park
California’s desert adventures are unparalleled, and one of the best places to experience them is Joshua Tree National Park. Located exactly on the spot where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet, this alluring national park is a combination of two entirely different ecosystems that, put together, create the quirkiest landscape you could think of!
Joshua Tree is a mecca for outdoor activities, with hiking, rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding being just a few of the activities on the menu. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also considered one of the best places in the USA for clear night skies, making stargazing here an absolute dream!
5. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is THE place to go if you’re eager to experience California’s love for great wine. Picture rolling hills dotted by quaint wine farms, restaurants in every corner offering wine lists longer than their food menus, farm-to-table eateries spread all over town and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the love Napa has for great hosting.
Naturally, the main thing to do while in Napa is to go on a vineyard-hopping adventure. If you’re new to wine-tasting, a great option for you is Beringer Estate. For special occasions worth splurging on, Inglenook, which is a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, is a must, and for the most Instagram-worthy spots, Chateau Montelena is your go-to!
6. Channel Islands National Park
Commonly dubbed the Galapagos of North America, Channel Islands National Park is one of the most unique places in the world and a must-visit if solitude and peaceful nature outings are what you’re after. Thanks to the fact that this park is pretty remote, it still remains a bit of a secret in the national park system.
Made up of five remote islands, the Channel Islands is a haven for incredible views. While here, you’ll get to see jutting rock cliffs, untouched beaches, isolated ocean views, and wildlife sightings you can’t find anywhere else in the world!
Getting to the Channel Islands can be a bit tricky, as the only way to access them is via plane or boat. The easiest islands to get to are Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz, which you can access year-round. The remaining three islands are a bit trickier to get to, but with a little planning, you can find boats on a seasonal basis.
I hope this list of the best destinations in California helped you plot the ultimate bucket list. With so many incredible things to do spread all over the state, choosing where to go can be a pretty difficult feat, but these places are a great way to start exploring the Golden State!
Have you ever been to any of these California destinations? What was your experience like? Let me know all about it in the comment section below!
Recent Comments