I Am A Helicopter Parent

The title says enough doesn't it?

What else can I say?

You see me. I stand out. I'm already labeled as soon as I walk onto the playground with my extra bottles of water, hats and holding my 6 year old's hand tightly. I shy away from the mommy crowd and consistently crow "Walk, don't run." and "Be careful". I'm a broken record.

Yes, I feel your eyes. They are like a laser into the back of my head as you watch me hoover around my child. I will circle. I will follow. I will "play" with them. I will watch and talk to them and....just make sure.

There's a difference, though. I couldn't care less about your child. Not for one minute. I'm in my own bubble.

Unless he/she is harming mine. Do I think that you're slacking off? Do I think you should be paying more attention? Especially when they are throwing rocks? Do I think you should be more wary? Especially when they are putting said rocks up their nose. Sure. And my eyes will be like a laser into the back of your head.

I know there are many different reasons why you are on your phone, why you are reading your book and why you're chatting with your friends. In the back of mind, I get it. I won't vocalize my questions/concerns. I try not to judge. I'm actually jealous. I wish I could be at ease;free of mind to be able to relax. And not turn into a hawk, circling it's brood.

I can't help it. Call it human nature. Call it my nature.

I see a jungle gym ladder, I see a fall. I see a slide, I see a crash. I see boo boos and tears and broken bones. I can't help but feel that my paranoia is what works for me. It may not be the best thing. But it's what I do.

Yes, they will fall. They will scrap knees, bruise elbows and need band-aids. They need to discover, play and learn on their own. I need to let them be and explore. So they can build confidence and practice using their common sense. They need to get dirt underneath their nails.

I need to swallow my anxieties like a bad medicine. My patience will grow as I age. My insecurities as a parent will disappear as I conquer each milestone.

I'm just not ready yet.

Baby steps.

Life in Motion 13/52

 *A portrayal of life, in motion, once a week for 52 weeks* 2015

12: "I wonder if I could power our ceiling fan."
5: Best $4 I have spent, in awhile. Army men are priceless. He's been carting them everywhere.

thanking Jodi

 

Life in Motion 12/52

   

*A portrayal of life, in motion, once a week for 52 weeks* 2015

I never learned how to swim. I have a small fear of water. I am trying to be okay with them in the water. Have to breathe sometimes.

We did Spring Break. Lazy rivers full of sweaty bodies. Puke in the kiddie pool. Thankfully, no string bikini's on 4 year olds. It was our first time staying over night at a water park. Bonus: clean towels any time you want them. 

 

thanking Jodi

Life in Motion 11/52

 *A portrayal of life, in motion, once a week for 52 weeks* 2015

They are determined. They are adventurous. They are always on the edge.

Go. Play. See.

First park trip of the year. People complained about how horrid the winter was. To me, it was short. And not really that horrible. It was cold. It was how winter was supposed to be.

Spring brings muddy shoes and sticky faces. They will bring live animals (some with wings) into the house. We will nap after spending the afternoon playing in warm sand and sunshine.

I am so ready.

thanking Jodi