Have your mom and dad ever been too protective of you? Did they allow you to walk across the street alone at a young age? Have they ever embarrassed you because they came rushing to you with a first-aid kit when you scraped your knee? Perhaps they fall into one of the categories below!

Helicopter parents: This is a term that a lot of people have probably heard. Helicopter parents are the ones who are laser-focused on their kids. If you’ve ever watched “13 Reasons Why,” you might remember that when Clay was listening to the Hannah’s tapes, his mom subtly crept up on him and asked what he was doing. Clay said that he had talked with his mom about her “helicopter parenting.” Helicopter parents are always be aware of what’s going on in their child’s life, and will come to their children’s rescue when they need help.

Examples of a helicopter parent: Steve Harrington (Stranger Things), Claire Dunphy (Modern Family)

Lawnmower parents: Lawnmower parents are usually mistaken for helicopter parents, but there is one major difference: lawnmower parents are always going to be there to resolve their children’s problem. They’re compared to lawnmowers because they mow down every problem and obstacle that their child has. Low grade in a class? They’ll most likely email the teacher and ask that their child gets extra help in that class. Conflict with a classmate? They’ll most likely email the teacher about the ongoing problem and ask if they can help solve it. Lawnmower parents are always there for their child when they have a problem or conflict. In other words they’re a full-time super mom or dad to the rescue!

Examples of a lawnmower parent: Monica Geller (Friends), Narcissa Malfoy (Harry Potter)

Free-range parents: Free-range parents are very different from helicopter and lawnmower parents. They encourage their children to be more independent and ask for help only when they really need it. Children of free-range parents probably crossed the street by themselves at a young age and learned how to ride a bike on their own. Free-range children are raised without being coddled, so they learn to become dependent on themselves and try things on their own without their parent being by their side to guide them through every step and reassure them that they’re doing it right.

Examples of a free-range parent: Karen Wheeler (Stranger Things), Catherine Avery (Grey’s Anatomy)