So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?

I just wonder this lately...

Riley has never had a big fall. She has no idea what she's getting into cuz, well, I don't let her. Yeah she's bumped her head and whatnot...but nothing big.

A friend and I were talking today and I was amazed that her daughter could sit on the couch...omg I have my hands on Riley the whole time. I am on top of her.

And now I wonder...how is she gonna learn? Not that I ever want to see her get hurt but...I do have to let go somewhat, no?

Is this a bad thing?

Re: So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?

i know EXACTLY what u mean!!! Ian has a gross motor delay and i wonder if its my fault. like if hes sitting and he looked like he was gonna tip id catch him. i think i held him back from doing things himself. i guess this happens with the first?

Re: So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?

I don't know what is right or wrong, or if there is one, but it seems more like what everyone is comfortable with...

I would say I'm pretty lax about some things, but I DO find it very annoying when some mom's in our playgroup freak out about every tiny thing. I don't dislike them for that, I just find it extremely annoying.

Re: So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?

Tara I don't think you have to worry The flipside of "overprotective" is "vigilant' and that's not a bad thing. There's no reason to "let" her experience a header to understand gravity luckily there are softer, easier ways to get the concept And, more likely than not, the toddler bumps and bruises are right around the corner, no matter HOW cautious you are! DS didn't have his first bruise until around 17 months so we were lucky too!!!

Re: So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?

What I usually do is "hover" LOL...I let Tommy do stuff but I am right behind him. Yet the other day I was doing something else for 2 seconds and BAM! He fell and cut his lip I felt like a terrible mommy...but it happens....don't worry, Riley will learn.

Re: So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?

Let me ask you this.....do you know a 5 year old that cant sit on a couch? Probably not. So I say, do what you need to do to protect her and she will figure it out eventually.

Message edited 7/21/2010 8:50:04 PM.

Re: So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?

Posted by eddiesmommy

Let me ask you this.....do you know a 5 year old that cant sit on a couch? Probably not. So I say, do what you need to do to protect her and she will figure it out eventually.

Re: So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?

Not such a bad thing but looking at my 2 boys I think being overly cautious affects their personality (an not necessarily in a bad way)

I was VERY protective with DS#1 and now he is himself VERY cautious and was slow to do things

DS#2 is quick, a go-getter and NOT scared of anything and I think its mainly because I wasnt on top of him 100% of the time looking to see what his next move would be----I was lack--and now he is very active and carefree

Re: So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?

Don't worry. I really feel like only half of behavior is shaped and the other half is who the child is by nature. DD is very active regardless of how much I try to foster a safe and calm environment. I have always made a point to bite my tongue, my gasps and my groans because I have always been very backward and want DD to be more outgoing and aggressive than me. She is a crazy little girl with tons of energy- super friendly and social for a nearly one year old. Some of this perhaps came from my laying back a bit, but most of it is just who she is and has shown glimmers of since the day she was born. Riley will be fine will ultimately learn from you and combine it with who she is by nature and will turn out to be an amazing little girl

Re: So...is being overprotective when they're this young a bad thing?