This glossary of modern parenting terms from around the world provides a cautionary tale through definitions. Could a Snow Plow Parent accidently raise a Kidult in a perpetual state of Adultescence?
Snow Plow Parents
Like the snow removal apparatus, a Snow Plow Parent will be sure to clear the path ahead, ensuring nothing will challenge their children's happiness. Creating an obstacle-free world allows their child to dodge all the pitfalls and challenges that are necessary for molding responsible, competent adults.
Helicopter Parents
Veronica considers herself a recovering Helicopter Mommy, so we know all about these guys. Helicopter Parents hover over every aspect of their children's lives, micromanaging every move they make. From arranging highly scripted toddler playdates to writing their college-aged spawn's term papers, the Helicopter whirlybird is ever present.
Also known as Hovering Mothers, Smothers
Boomerang "Kids"
Like the Australian hunting stick, Boomerang Kids return to the place they've been thrown from. Initially the term described kids returning home after being away at college, but has broadened to any able-bodied adult offspring who lives with his/her parents.
Also known as Parasite Singles in Japan, Bamboccioni (Big Babies) in Italy, Nesthockers in Germany (referring to birds with their mouths open, waiting for Mommy to feed them) and Basement Dwellers
Parasite "Kids"
The Boomeranger returns home to rely on its host for room, board and Mama's cooking, but the Parasite "Kid" will eventually kill its host by latching on and sucking the nest egg dry while living on its own. It's long-distance leeching, in a manner of speaking. These bloodsuckers have gotten it into their heads that their parents' job of funding them never ends.
Also known as KIPPERS (Kids In Parents' Pockets Eroding Retirement Savings) in England and Australia, and Trustafarians (kids living on parents' trusts whilst dressing up and pretending to be Rastafarians) in The Virgin Islands
Hotel Mama
A place the Boomerang "Kid" calls home in Germany. Comes with parental housekeeping.
Kidult
Neither kid nor adult, or possibly both kid and adult. A new life phase between the teen years and adulthood, the Kidult has a few more years to mess around, avoid a real job and all the pesky life lessons of one's early twenties. It's basically an extension of the teen years with the ability to legally drink. What could possibly go wrong?
Also known as Twixters.
Similar: NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) in England, Ni-Nis (ni trabaja, ni estudia -- neither work nor study) in Spain and Mexico
Adultescence:
The Kidult's state of being.
YOUR TURN: Were any of these terms new to you? Do you have others to share? Fire away!