Renowned Canadian clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson believes that one of the reasons behind the “snowflake generation” lies in helicopter parenting. This term refers to overly involved parents, and Peterson says that the phenomenon runs deeper. The “snowflake generation” is characterized by people who are sensitive, intolerant of differing ideas, and less resilient. Hypotheses offered to explain this lack of resilience include the impacts of technological development, economic comfort, and moral codes.
Peterson pointed out that the increasingly prevalent single-child family unit is another contributor to the problem. In interviews, he emphasized the major role that excessive overprotective parenting has played in diminishing the resilience of future generations. The rise of single-child family units is the fastest-growing demographic change in many countries, a reality that is influenced by economic and social factors.
Research on only children has not conclusively proven that they exhibit detrimental personality traits. Studies have found only small differences in personality aspects. To build resilience, Peterson highlights the importance of exposing young people to increasingly challenging situations. He argues that by overprotecting children, parents can risk harming their courage and competence and reducing their ability to navigate lived realities.