You've probably heard the term, .helicopter parents. Those who just can't let go of their generation "Y" children. That's got one major local employer taking "parental involvement" to a whole new level.

Look around...
At first glance, this looks like an everyday business luncheon.
But take a closer look.. And you'll start seeing some similar faces.
That's because today marks the first ever "Meet the OSF Family Day"... and organizers say *family is the key word.

"These are nursing students who will soon be graduating so we thought let's invite the parents, the significant others to learn more about OSF. ... Parents really want to be involved. Children want them to be involved in important decisions," said Kay Shank, OSF Medical Center.

Among those important decisions... career choice.
And experts say asking for mom and dad's advice is a major part of generation Y's approach to employment. An approach Krystal Nelson says helped guide her through the OSF doors.

"They've been always supportive through my education and everything I've done," said Krystal Nelson, Nursing Extern.

Krystal says she's glad for the visit, after struggling to field the ongoing questions of her curious mom and dad.

"Have you seen any traumas?
What cool things have you seen?
Are you liking it?
Do you think you'll stay there?"

Krystal's mom says while she was always glad for her daughter's success. She's also relieved to get today's inside view.

"Sending my kid to the emergency room to work can be quite traumatic. She's strong so she can handle it, but as a parent it's really been nice to be included," said Shelly Nelson, Krystal's mom.

So nice... in fact...here at News 25, we decided to try this new style of parent supervision out for ourselves.
Meet my mom.
You may remember her as a news anchor on Channel 19 more than a few years ago.
She was Kay Hartzell then... and today we gave her a chance to check out her intern–daughter in action.

"It's a proud parent to see someone follow in their footsteps, and actually gain that same passion that a parent has, and then take it and run with it," said Kay Vespa.

High praise... something it seems my fellow generation y–ers and I will continue to look for in years to come.