Overprotective parenting

Teez - part of it gets easier as they get older.

Also I do not worry about the smaller things with the other two children i.e. dirt and then eating a worm, not such an issue for me anymore. But I often worry about Connor because he is older and does more physical things and I worry about how he could really hurt himself.

He started playing rugby at school - I nearly threw up from stress. I have tried to disuade him from it, but at the same time I do not want him to be a total mommy's-boy, but I also do not want to see him with a broken neck ... fine line this mommy thing.

Thanks ladies for all the replies, I was seriously thinking that something was wrong with me!
RM - i feel exactly the same way! Like when Lo fell off the bed for a moment there, I thought that he broke his neck! I eventually cried more than he did! or even when he was born I bought the hand Sanitizer for every room in the house!

And it's only now that I am realising how ridiculous I am being and behaving!

I was exactly the same after LG was born. When people came to see her shortly after birth, I did not want them to touch her (because of possible germs on their hands). I think it gets better as they get older. Now I will pick up her dummy from the floor, give it a wipe with my hand and pop it back in. Having said this, it is also a decision I took when she started walking. I realised that I should not protect her from everything. Getting dirty, playing in the sand, giving the dog a hug, is part of being a child.
Every now and then I still find myself forming the words to say "no" and then remember to let her be.
((hugs)) it is not easy being the mommy...

Teez - I find it a very difficult line to tread.

I also tend to be paranoid and get really anxious over nothing, but I also try to let my DH take the lead on certain things and calmly look the other way.

I also think that they won't just get hurt, they will die - and then I start to panic accordingly.

Every time my son climbs a tree, I think he is going to fall, break his neck and die - not just fall and graze his elbow. My inner voice wants to scream "get out of the damn tree before you die" my outer normality, tells me to look away and just act like it is all okay.

I am never okay, but try to act like it is all just dandy. I can't tell you the relief when he climbs out fo the tree - but then he usually goes and starts diving in to the pool - which does nothing for my over-active imagination.

Great question!!!!!!!!!!!

This is normal for many first time mom's. He is your precious bundle after all.

There is a fine line between being a cautious parent and an overprotective parent.

I find that language is oftne what separates the two.

For eg It is okay to tell a child to be careful of climbing a tree, but don't tell them they can fall. They need to be warned but not scared.

I am older so am far more relaxed about most things. My friends kids are all older and they all survived eating dog poo and climbing trees etc. I have found that Dylan is naturally cautions while still being a typical boy because I let him be.

There are obvious dangers like an uncovered pools, fires, water, stairs and electric sockets which should be avoided but for the rest they will figure it out.

It is important to "play rough" with boys. They learn more by doing physical things.

xxx

Ladies, I hate to admit it but think(still in denial)that I am an overprotective parent. I am a first-time mom that worries constantly about germs, sickness, dirt and the list goes on and on. We were not brought up like this and could play outside without shoes or climb trees but I feel like I need to protect my little boy in every possible way!

I don't want my son to grow up being scared all the time. My DH is the complete opposite of me and likes to play with LO rough, etc.

What can I do to let go of the guilt and over protectiveness?