My parents’ experiences growing up seemed to influence how they decided to raise their own family. For example, traditional gender roles continued when my mother retired after the birth of her first child. She became the primary caretaker of the children, while my father continued to work full-time. Also, contact with only immediate family members remained consistent.

Their occupational success later in life allowed them to parent differently than the environments in which they group up in. They were able to implement more of a professional helicopter parenting style to ensure that their children were strong academic achievers. My father mentioned the extra-curricular activities that he enrolled me in from a young age, including piano and softball.

My mother did, however, cling to some of the principles of the paramedic parenting style that she grew up with. For example, the independence she gave her children when choosing their career paths. In addition, she allowed her children much freedom in their social lives and encouraged them to navigate the party scene and Greek life aspects of college. Further, she expected her kids to fund their hobbies and interests outside of the classroom and spoke of strict limits she placed on spending.