I have been somewhat intrigued with the latest scandal that’s been in the news, Operation Varsity Blues. The parents of some of the nation’s wealthiest and most privileged students sought to buy spots for their children at top universities by cheating on entrance exams or faking athletic credentials.

This scandal brings up so many issues that warrant discussion. What I find very intriguing, however, is the issue of parenting style. Julia Roberts was quoted as saying, that the scandal highlights the lack of faith the parents involved had in their children. In discussing the issue at the Gotham Dinner Group, Victoria Drogin spoke very eloquently about different parenting styles. She discussed what us baby boomers have often been accused of, being “helicopter parents.” That being, a parent who takes an overprotective or excessive interest in the lives of their children.

Victoria referenced the parents involved in the scandal as being “snow plow parents.” Victoria’s definition of that style was a parent who “plows the road” for their child. The third type of parenting style Victoria discussed was “tow truck parents.” Tow truck parents allow their children to go forth on their own and come to their rescue when they make a major mistake.

What is your parenting style?