JEFF CAPLAN'S MY MINUTE OF NEWS
Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: What is Roommate Parenting?
Sep 25, 2024, 7:00 PM
In a new national advisory, the U.S. Surgeon General discussed the intense challenges of parenting. (Canva)
(Canva)
Editor’s note: This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.
SALT LAKE CITY — You’ve heard of helicopter parenting, right? Always hovering, usually smothering, but that’s so five years ago. The new term being bandied about comes from a teacher who complains about roommate parenting,
You can learn all about it on TikTok.
“[It] basically describes parents that rarely interact with their kids. Aren’t involved in their homework or academics,” explained user YourTango. “Parents have essentially given up on their jobs and are relying on others, and according to this teacher, teachers have become the new parent.”
Just like a college roommate, these parents run into their kids around the house now and again. Maybe they sit for a meal together — while the kids are on their phones. Interactions tend toward “What’s going on?” and the kid says “Nothing.”
So is roommate parenting just a figment of some embittered teachers’ imagination? No.
“Mental health professionals have acknowledged that some parents are acting more like roommates than parents,” explained the TikToker.
You might think this roommate thing is all about preteen and teenage kids, but there’s also the theory that toddlers are just like a drunk college roommate. They laugh for no reason, cry for no reason, just like a drunk college roommate.
So this fall, roommates are all the rage, whether they’re parenting or toddling. Now whether it’s better than hovering and smothering, that’s for you to decide.
Jeff Caplan is the host of Jeff Caplan’s Afternoon News on KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on Facebook and X.
