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Glite Dictionary
snowplow parent

snowplow parent

7.5
A parent who removes problems so their child becomes too dependent on them
  • noun
  • Literature
translation icon : padre sobreprotector
  • Some educators warn that being a snowplow parent can prevent kids from learning resilience.

Examples

  • He grew frustrated with his snowplow parent constantly stepping in to negotiate on his behalf.

  • Her snowplow parent attitude meant she tried to solve every problem for her son.

  • Being a snowplow parent can hinder a child's growth.

  • Many snowplow parents believe they are helping their children.

  • Many experts suggest that a snowplow parent can create dependency in their children by always clearing obstacles from their paths.

  • As a snowplow parent, she did not let her son attempt to solve his own problems, fearing he would fail.

  • A snowplow parent often prevents their child from developing important life skills by removing all challenges.

Synonyms

paternalist
vssnowplow parent
  • Formal
1 8.6

A person who limits other people's freedom to protect them like a parent

is one who removes obstacles for a child creating dependence and reduced resilience

Antonyms

to loosen the apron strings
  • Informal
7.5

Allow a child to be more independent

Surface Forms

snowplow parent singular
snowplow parents plural

Morphology

snowplow + parent

The meaning can be inferred from the constituents: a 'snowplow' clears a path and a 'parent' cares for a child, so a 'snowplow parent' is a parent who clears obstacles for their child. However, this relies on a metaphorical extension of 'snowplow' and some world‑knowledge about the parenting metaphor, so the relation is interpretable but not fully literal or predictable for all learners.

Etymology

Snowplow parent comes from the image of a snowplow clearing a path while a parent removes every problem from a child's way. It is used for parents who do this, which can make the child 'overly dependent' and less able to cope on their own.