[the iron horse]

About the term:
[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter_parent]Helicopter parent - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]

Last summer we visted a local public playground and I notice how most
of the parents were following (and helping) the children through the
playground equipment. The playground seemed very low to the ground and
padded like a cell. There was enough rubber shreddings on the ground to
sink your sneakers.

The school where I work no longer allows students to play basketball or
even walk around outside during lunch. They must stay seated at tables.
We were told this was done because of safety issues and parent concerns.

A good link on the topic:
[url=http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/childrens-health/articles/2012/01/04/safety-first-playgrounds-linked-to-bored-inactive-kids-study]'Safety-First' Playgrounds Linked to Bored, Inactive Kids: Study - US News and World Report[/url]