Meaning:

Literally translating to “lawnmower parents,” this term refers to those who are overly involved in their child’s life to protect them from disappointment or discomfort. Named after the machine used for cutting grass, a lawnmower parent will “mow down” any obstacle their child might experience. They rush ahead to intervene, saving the child from any potential inconvenience, problem, or discomfort. While they might feel like they’re supporting their child, lawnmower parents can negatively impact a child’s problem-solving skills, leaving them insecure and unable to handle failure. They have outshone “helicopter parents,” who keep a close eye on their child’s every move.

Example:

A: 为什么杰克像个被宠坏的小姑娘一样娇气？

Wèishénme jiékè xiàng ge bèi chǒnghuài de xiǎogūniáng yīyàng jiāoqì？

Why does Jake seem so particular, almost like an overly pampered kid?

B: 因为他有一对割草机父母，他在生活中几乎不会遇到困难和不愉快。

Yīnwèi tā yǒu yīduì gēcǎojī fùmǔ， tā zài shēnghuó zhōng jīhū búhuì yùdào kùnnán hé bùyúkuài。

Because he has lawnmower parents, and therefore has seldom faced adversity or discomfort in his life.