When Parents Of College Students And Their Rules Are Over Controlling
As members of Gen X and Millennials became parents, the general trend of having more money and time for children continued, resulting in elaborations of the concept of helicopter parenting. For example, a 2023 report on Parents.com summarized the potential harmful effects of 'snowplow parenting,' which describes a tendency of some parents to remove all stressors or challenges that their children might experience. Regardless of the term used to describe these behaviors, or the reasons why these behaviors exist, having parents who are over controlling can have detrimental impacts on students.
Over Controlling Parents Can Hinder Development And Opportunities
The traditional college-aged years are formative for the development of personal values. Instead of specific rules, such as who a child can spend time with outside of school, what time is curfew, and when to do homework, college is a place to establish values such as lifestyle choices, personal development, and academic performance. According to a 2025 study in the journal of Brain Sciences, the establishment of personal values is associated with individual decision-making. Thus, over controlling rules which limit students' ability to make decisions can hinder the development of long-term values. Furthermore, many colleges and universities have thousands of students on campus. If a student enters the campus community with a set of rules that are more strict than other students, then it's expected that the student will miss opportunities, such as attending certain social events that could result in having more friends, participating in extracurricular activities that could lead to future internships, or attending campus events that could result in being more excited about college.
Over Controlling Parents Often Have Limited Influence
As detailed in the report on Forbes.com, parents generally have significant influence over college students. This influence is mostly experienced by students as parents being positive role models and giving practical advice; however, such influence can last a lifetime. On the contrary, over controlling rules can influence the behavior of college students, but this type of influence is time limited. As students proceed through their academic careers, most of them will obtain financial independence, and this independence will minimize the impact of any parental rules.
A 2020 study in the journal of Psychological Reports found that parent-child attachment can also impact the social relationships of college students, including factors such as social anxiety. Consistent with these findings is the fact that many students with over controlling parents attempt to put rules and expectations on peers. This usually has limited influence on peers and can result in these students being rejected by others. In turn, many of these students will start resisting or rejecting their parents, which could produce a vicious cycle of attachment problems and difficulty connecting with others.
Over Controlling Parents Often Reap What They Sow
According to a 2025 report on HealtyRelationshipsInitiative.org, rules often represent boundaries to children. As such, over controlling rules to college students often represent an over reliance of boundaries during a time of independence. It's often beneficial for parents to ponder that college students eventually reach a point in lifespan development in which they put boundaries on their parents. Examples include relocating after graduation, getting married, and starting a family. The boundaries that students place on parents later in life often reflect their feelings about the boundaries that parents once placed on them.
In closing, it's important to note that there's no consensus on what constitutes an over controlling parent. Furthermore, students need rules while in college, and some students need more rules than others. However, it's usually obvious when a student is burdened with rules that are excessive and don't match the general experience of being in college. Most parents want their children to succeed in college, and they can help foster student success by setting appropriate and normative expectations.
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36 minutes ago
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Mars in Libra Horoscope: What It Means for Your Zodiac Sign
When you're aiming to amp yourself up to take on an ambitious task, expressing anger, connecting with a partner sexually or exploring whatever fires you up, you can think of Mars as the planet that's fueling your efforts. And from Wednesday, August 6 to Monday, September 22, Mars in Libra will bring a whole new, balance-seeking, beauty-loving, and, yes also passive-aggressive approach to these aspects of life. Since June 17, Mars has been in mutable earth sign Virgo, known for its attention to detail, pragmatism, and commitment to everyday routine and wellness. In turn, we've been apt to move through passionate feelings in a more cerebral, grounded way over the past couple of months while potentially overthinking, prioritizing organization, and putting our noses to the grindstone to be of service to others. But once Mars enters cardinal air sign on August 6 at 7:23 p.m. ET/4:23 p.m. PT, prepare for the desire to keep the peace at all costs even if you're steaming on the inside and a penchant for funneling your energy toward bringing more beauty and balance into the world. Here, all you need to know in order to make the most of Mars' 2025 trip through Libra. What does Mars in Libra mean? When Mars, the planet of action and energy, moves through Libra, the air sign symbolized by the Scales, it's considered to be in detriment — aka frustrated and challenged to express itself the way it would ideally like to. That's because Libra is the sign that sits opposite where Mars is at home, in fiery Aries, and the Scales' focus on harmony, beauty, relationships and romance runs counter to what Mars is all about, which is aggression, conflict, anger and unbridled passion. It is literally the planet named for the god of war. When considering how Mars in Libra will color how you take action, experience energy and move through the world to achieve your goals and fulfill your desires, it can help to think about Libra's ruling planet: Venus, which oversees romance, pleasure, values and relationships. Venus' influence causes Libra to want nothing more than to avoid conflict at all costs, to utilize diplomacy and to push for tranquility and balance. The air sign is happiest when it can take all sides of any issue into consideration. And associated with the Seventh House of Partnership, Libra also thrives when pairing up with a significant other, loved one or dear friend. That said, when Mars is in Libra, you may find you or others may be more resistant to sharing what's getting under your skin, intent to keep the peace versus rock the boat. Brushing any emotion under the rug is often ineffective, of course, so this tendency to steer clear of fiery self-expression could result in passive-aggressive behavior. We'll also feel more compelled to play referee or judge and hear all sides of any issue, striving to prize balance and objectivity, justice and fairness above anything else. Mars also affects how we work and what we're more inclined to work on, so while it's in Libra, you could be motivated to step up your beauty routine, to pour your energy into a creative project, to ensure you're making time for more romance with your partner, to be more of a social butterfly or to plan a must-attend social event. The last time Mars was in Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac, was from August 27 to October 12, 2023, so think back to that period for a sense of what themes, narratives, lessons and experiences might be on the docket once again. What can you expect during Mars' 2025 trip through Libra Although Mars moves through Libra approximately every two years, all the planets move at different rates through the zodiac, so the action-oriented planet's link-ups with other celestial bodies change annually. A few key moments: On Sunday, August 10, right on the heels of the full moon, Mars will form a harmonizing angle to transformative Pluto in Aquarius, offering a surge of empowering, go-getter energy. You could make a positive impression on higher-ups or make a play for more authority or responsibility by harnessing charm, diplomacy and other key social skills. Then, prepare for more impulsivity and ambition on Thursday, September 4, when Mars squares off against Jupiter in Cancer. You could feel like you're capable of taking on much more than you might actually be up for, so consider aiming for a measured game plan. And while it may be an industrious Monday, September 15 is set up for heartfelt, romantic experiences and sexy sparks flying, because Mars will form a friendly sextile to romantic Venus in charismatic fire sign Leo, amplifying confidence and chemistry in relationships. It also bears noting that once Mars moves through Libra, it'll oppose both Neptune, the planet of illusion, and Saturn, the planet of limitations, in Aries, which could lead to frustration, disappointment, confusion and resentment. Grappling with these emotions in a Mars-fueled way — e.g., moving your body, tapping into your inner fire and acknowledging your desires, taking decisive action — is your best bet. Here, how Mars in Libra 2025 will affect you based on your sign. (Be sure to read both your sun and your rising sign if you know it. If you don't, you can find it in your birth chart or by using this CafeAstrology calculator.) Aries Your ruler, go-getter Mars, is now in your partnership sector, which is bound to motivate you to move the ball forward on ambitions you share with a dear friend, loved one or significant other. At the same time, given its fiery nature, your ruling planet will amplify the potential for conflict. You could find debating and butting heads fun or stimulating, but with Mars opposing taskmaster Saturn in your sign, you'll do well to commit to working through ongoing conflicts that are taking a toll on your one-on-one bonds. Doing so can help you lay a healthy, fulfilling new groundwork for these relationships. Click through for more on Aries. Taurus Late summer is bound to be super-productive for you, Taurus, because Mars is in your wellness and daily routine sector, firing you up to finally work on tackling any to-dos that have been piling up. You're eager to get organized and make moves that will step up your overall sense of well-being and vitality. At the same time, Mars in this zone could make it more likely that you'll butt heads with coworkers or other people you work with on a day-to-day basis. Thankfully, you can lean on your typically long fuse in these moments. Channel frustration into detail-oriented projects to feel more grounded. Click through for more on Taurus. Gemini The tail end of summer is bound to be downright whimsical and full of pleasure, especially alongside a significant other or loved ones, because Mars is in your romance and self-expression sector now. You'll have more energy to pour into exploring your creativity, plan and go on memorable date nights with someone special or a potential partner and even engage in more of that witty, flirtatious, butterflies-inducing banter that you tend to live for. Lively conversation that sends your heart racing will peak around August 14-18 when your ruler, messenger Mercury, in your communication zone harmonizes with Mars. Just know it may be tough to commit to one particular game plan, because you're being driven to embrace more spontaneity and lighthearted playfulness now. Click through for more on Gemini. Cancer With Mars moving through your home zone now, you're eager to bring a fiery, go-getter approach to ongoing projects around your physical home or related to home life, whether that's doing an annual inventory of your wardrobe to gather giveaways to donate or planning out a big move. This sector also oversees your inner emotional life and family relationships, so you can dive into more dynamic self-work to heal old wounds or have vibrant conversations with loved ones to work through any ongoing discord. Look forward to September 15 when Mars syncs with sweet Venus in your money zone, and using Mars' energy to nurture your self-worth could benefit your bottom line. Click through for more on Cancer. Leo Prepare for your social life to be even busier and more mentally stimulating than usual, because Mars is in your communication zone now, leading to more invitations to hang with friends and colleagues, more learning opportunities and possibly more short-distance travel. You could actually be torn in more directions than you'd ideally like, so if you feel yourself beginning to get burned out, setting and holding boundaries is a must. But in general, this transit will feel lively, fun and gratifying, especially because Mars forms positive sextiles to both Mercury and Venus in your sign and self-image zone around August 14-18 and September 15 respectively. Share your thoughts, dreams and big picture ideas with friends and colleagues, which will bolster your confidence and sense of self. Click through for more on Leo. Virgo With Mars leaving your sign for your money zone, you'll have more energy at your disposal to put your nose to the grindstone on income-bolstering endeavors. You're eager to build momentum on your current job or to even get cozy with your inner entrepreneur to launch a side hustle or entirely new enterprise. You could also be more apt to experience conflict in this realm of your life, whether you're fighting with a colleague over who has dibs on a particular account or struggling to align with a higher-up's values or goals. Around August 10, the full moon and Mars' connection to Pluto in your wellness zone allows you to focus on the fights that, if won, will lead to feeling truly empowered within your everyday routine. Click through for more on Virgo. Libra Welcome to one of the most energizing, passionate, inner fire-illuminating moments of the year for you, Libra! Mars is now in your sign and self-image zone, boosting your desire to assert yourself, stand up for what you believe in, go to bat for your biggest, boldest aspirations and just generally take charge of your life in a dynamic way. 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On September 4, when Mars squares off against your ruler, lucky Jupiter, in your joint resources zone, you can dive into an undertaking that helps you hit financial goals you share with a loved one. Click here for more on Sagittarius. Capricorn As industrious as you are, it's almost impossible to think of a time when you didn't have energy to pursue your professional aspirations, but you'll have that in spades now that Mars is in your career zone. Whether you want to throw your hat in the ring to run a big picture project on the job or to take on a thrilling new entrepreneurial endeavor that will boost your public profile, the sky is the limit. Mars will be opposing Neptune and your ruling planet Saturn in your home zone, so conflicts could arise surrounding work-life balance. Think of any frustrations here as a chance to connect with your intuition and set up new action plans and structures that could make for less stress down the road. Click through for more on Capricorn. Aquarius Cue a surge of restlessness and wanderlust, because Mars is in your adventure and higher learning zone now, nudging you to step out of your comfort zone and prioritize eye-opening experiences for the sake of personal growth. If you've been wanting to plan a long-distance trip, work with a trusted mentor to hone new skills or make friends outside of your usual social circle, this moment was made for fulfilling those desires. You'll have the chance to check in with your gut and make sure you're right on track around August 9 when the full moon falls in your sign and on August 10 when Mars syncs with powerful Pluto in your sign. Click through for more on Aquarius. Pisces You can look forward to a truly steamy end to the summer, Pisces, because go-getter Mars is moving through your intimacy sector, bolstering your self-awareness tied to your sex drive, fantasies, desires and needs between the sheets. You'll be more apt to say what you want and go for it, and in turn, you can't help but notice that you're feeling more connected not only physically but spiritually and emotionally to your significant other or someone special. Look forward to September 4 when Mars' square to fortunate Jupiter in your romance zone magnifies playfulness, creativity and pleasure. Following your heart will come naturally and benefit your bonds all around. Click through for more on Pisces. For more horoscope content, keep scrolling! August 3 to August 9 Horoscope Forecast: Your Zodiac Sign's Week Ahead According to Astrology Your 2025 Cancer New Moon Horoscope Is Here—Make the Most of This Magical and Romantic Shift Your 2025 Sagittarius Full Moon Horoscope Is Here—Time to Move Bravely into the Future Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
3 hours ago
- CBS News
The "Loon Lady" on a mission to save Minnesota's state bird: "We need to do better"
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Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
When Parents Of College Students And Their Rules Are Over Controlling
Starting college is often an important transition within the relationships between students and their parents. A 2024 report on discussed three ways that parents can have unique impacts on college students and highlighted how supportive parents can help students reduce stress and burnout. However, some students present to campus counseling centers and report stressful relationships with their parents. Common examples of these stressful relationships are 'helicopter parents.' According to a 2025 report by Boston University, the term helicopter parent emerged as the baby boomer generation had more money and time to spend on their children than previous generations. This resulted in a tendency to be highly active as parents of college students, which included some parents micromanaging their students. As members of Gen X and Millennials became parents, the general trend of having more money and time for children continued, resulting in elaborations of the concept of helicopter parenting. For example, a 2023 report on summarized the potential harmful effects of 'snowplow parenting,' which describes a tendency of some parents to remove all stressors or challenges that their children might experience. Regardless of the term used to describe these behaviors, or the reasons why these behaviors exist, having parents who are over controlling can have detrimental impacts on students. Over Controlling Parents Can Hinder Development And Opportunities The traditional college-aged years are formative for the development of personal values. Instead of specific rules, such as who a child can spend time with outside of school, what time is curfew, and when to do homework, college is a place to establish values such as lifestyle choices, personal development, and academic performance. According to a 2025 study in the journal of Brain Sciences, the establishment of personal values is associated with individual decision-making. Thus, over controlling rules which limit students' ability to make decisions can hinder the development of long-term values. Furthermore, many colleges and universities have thousands of students on campus. If a student enters the campus community with a set of rules that are more strict than other students, then it's expected that the student will miss opportunities, such as attending certain social events that could result in having more friends, participating in extracurricular activities that could lead to future internships, or attending campus events that could result in being more excited about college. Over Controlling Parents Often Have Limited Influence As detailed in the report on parents generally have significant influence over college students. This influence is mostly experienced by students as parents being positive role models and giving practical advice; however, such influence can last a lifetime. On the contrary, over controlling rules can influence the behavior of college students, but this type of influence is time limited. As students proceed through their academic careers, most of them will obtain financial independence, and this independence will minimize the impact of any parental rules. A 2020 study in the journal of Psychological Reports found that parent-child attachment can also impact the social relationships of college students, including factors such as social anxiety. Consistent with these findings is the fact that many students with over controlling parents attempt to put rules and expectations on peers. This usually has limited influence on peers and can result in these students being rejected by others. In turn, many of these students will start resisting or rejecting their parents, which could produce a vicious cycle of attachment problems and difficulty connecting with others. Over Controlling Parents Often Reap What They Sow According to a 2025 report on rules often represent boundaries to children. As such, over controlling rules to college students often represent an over reliance of boundaries during a time of independence. It's often beneficial for parents to ponder that college students eventually reach a point in lifespan development in which they put boundaries on their parents. Examples include relocating after graduation, getting married, and starting a family. The boundaries that students place on parents later in life often reflect their feelings about the boundaries that parents once placed on them. In closing, it's important to note that there's no consensus on what constitutes an over controlling parent. Furthermore, students need rules while in college, and some students need more rules than others. However, it's usually obvious when a student is burdened with rules that are excessive and don't match the general experience of being in college. Most parents want their children to succeed in college, and they can help foster student success by setting appropriate and normative expectations.
