I was reading a post on another blog yesterday, it was by a parent of a child with special needs. It was talking about being an overprotective parent. I was reading this and wondering, am I overprotective?
I like to think the answer is no and yes. When it comes to the things that typical kids do that may get my son hurt (think anything with movement involved) I think no, I don't want to be someone who will stop him and tell him 'no you can't do that because you're blind'. I want him to have a tricycle, I want him to play soccer (if he wants to) and do all those things that typical kids do that might cause him to fall down or run into things or whatever. Those bruises, scrapes, cuts, and owwies are going to be a part of his life and I don't think you can wrap your child in bubble wrap and make sure they don't get hurt because it's just going to take away their childhood and they'll never know how to take risks. Of course when it comes to things that are just too dangerous and could cause serious injury well then yeah I will put my foot down.
And then on the other hand, am I overprotective of him when it comes to other people? I hope so. What I mean is when it comes to leaving my child with someone I don't know I'm very wary. You could tell me they have all the childcare training in the world and I wouldn't be comfortable leaving him with them. I have to get to know the person, I have to sit with them for a while, see how they interact with my son and other children. I have to know what their attitude is. And I have to see that they know how to interact with someone who is blind, and that they know what to do when he gets sick or if he starts to seize. I have to trust that that person will call me immediately and ask me what to do, even if they have the training. So yes, in that sense I think I am overprotective and I'm okay with that.
How about you? Are you overprotective of your little one?
Btw: Happy Canada Day! It was yesterday, but still :P
2 comments:
Sometimes I feel like I'm being overly protective of Laney. I do wish I could wrap her in bubble wrap, but I have to keep in mind that she is going go fall down and get hurt - it's part of being a kid.
It's our job to protect our children, and I sometimes feel like I fail when she gets hurt. I'm still learning to let go a little bit more. I certainly know that I don't want to hover over her by any means.
Oh I know I am one of those moms that gasps or freaks out when my baby gets hurt. I hate to see it happen and I know I will cringe before I run to pick him up and comfort him. But I do try my best not to stop him from doing those things that he has to do to learn and grow. It's such a fine line to walk and it's hard to let go and say okay yeah go get hurt, I'll be here when you need me to kiss it better.
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