Recently, I found myself in a brightly lit school hall, sitting on one of those very low plastic chairs at my sons’ parents’ evening.

The teachers were kind. The feedback was mostly positive.

But as I smiled and nodded, I became acutely aware of myself. I was trying very hard to come across as the “perfect” parent. And in doing so I may have done the opposite.

I left the room wondering what the teachers really thought of me. Maybe they saw me as a bit too strict, or a bit too pushy. Maybe I talked a little too much about how brilliant my children are. I did mention grammar school - a selective school for high-achieving students - even though my eldest is only seven years old. Not exactly urgent.

On the way home, I started to reflect on my own behaviour. And then I began thinking about all the different types of parents teachers must come across, and the common ways we describe them in British English. Some are kind, some are a little cheeky, and all of them are useful for your vocabulary.

Here are some of the most common collocations we use in the UK to describe parenting styles:

• Pushy parent - a parent who puts pressure on their child to succeed, especially in school or sport
  ​“She’s a bit of a pushy parent - always asking about test results.”
• Yummy mummy - a slang phrase for a fashionable, attractive mum, often seen in gym clothes and full makeup at the school gates
  ​“The playground was full of yummy mummies in yoga leggings.”
• Helicopter dad - a father who pays too much attention to his child, watching over everything they do
  ​“He’s a helicopter dad - he won’t let his son walk to school alone.”
• Absent father - a father who isn’t involved in his child’s life, either emotionally or physically
  ​“He grew up with an absent father.”
• Overprotective mother - a mum who tries to protect her child from every possible risk or failure
  ​“She won’t let her son climb trees - she’s an overprotective mother.”
• Laid-back parent - a relaxed parent who doesn’t worry too much or get involved in every detail
  ​“They’re quite laid-back - they let their kids stay up late.”
• Hands-off dad - a father who doesn’t get very involved in parenting, often leaving decisions to the other parent
  ​“He’s a bit of a hands-off dad - he lets his partner do most of the parenting.”
• Cool dad - a fun, easy-going dad who is often popular with children and friends
  ​“All the kids love him - he’s the cool dad with a skateboard!”

And here’s one that’s fairly new to me:

• Tiger mum - a very strict mother who pushes her child to achieve highly, especially in school, music or sport. This phrase is becoming more common in the UK and is based on some East Asian parenting styles
  ​“She’s a tiger mum - her children practise piano for two hours a day.”

If you want to explore this one further, here’s a video I found helpful:

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There are a few more everyday phrases worth knowing:

• Single mum / Single dad - a parent raising a child alone, without a partner
  ​“He’s a single dad with three children.”
• Stay-at-home mum / Stay-at-home dad - a parent who doesn’t go out to work because they stay home to care for the children full time
  ​“She’s a stay-at-home mum while her partner works.”

Looking back on parents’ evening, maybe I was a little pushy.
Maybe a bit too eager.
But it’s only because I care.
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And maybe you recognise yourself in one of these phrases too.

Have you ever been a “pushy parent” without meaning to be? Or a “laid-back parent” who left things a little too late?

I’d love to hear your story. Just hit reply.
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Your Teacher,
Anna

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