Helicopter Parenting and Boomerang Children

Anne West is Professor of Education Policy, LSE, UKJane Lewis is Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, LSE, UK

The plight of the younger generation, and the challenges this poses to inter-generational relationships, is a key issue for contemporary society. In this timely and fascinating book, two very experienced researchers tackle this central issue head-on. Using evidence from their own studies with middle class parents and their student/graduate children, we are given new insights into the realities of juggling finances and in/dependencies between the generations over time, providing an interesting account of the resulting dilemmas and tensions. This important book should be key reading for policy makers and politicians, as well as parents and young people, along with youth and family studies scholars, and anyone concerned with the future of younger generations.Jane Ribbens McCarthy, Visiting Professor, University of Reading; Reader in Family Studies (retired) and Visiting Fellow, Open University.

• Prelims Introduction Chapter 1 Parents and students: Financial support and student independence Chapter 2 Students and parents: Communication, emotional and practical support, and independence Chapter 3 Co-resident graduates and parents: Relationships, jobs and future expectationsChapter 4 Parents and co-resident graduates: Financial arrangements, responsibility and independence Concluding reflections