Thursday, June 23, 2011

Things My Kids Can't Do

Thanks to accidents my children and friends' children have had, various news reports, and general paranoia, I'm becoming scared to let my kids do anything. The current list of things they can't do because mommy is scared includes:
  • Ride bikes (general paranoia that they could fall and get hurt or hit by a car)
  • Go to the playground (Sarah's daughter fell and was seriously injured)
  • Play near a door (Preston got his finger caught in the door and badly smashed)
  • Swim in a pool (Melissa's son had to be rescued by a lifeguard recently)
  • Play in a kiddie pool (news reports just released that LOTS of kids drown in kiddie pools)
  • Run down a hill (Melissa's friend's daughter fell and got a concussion and possible skull fracture)
  • Jump from the back of the couch to the floor (just seems like a bad idea, really, but Preston tries to do this all. the. TIME.)
  • Move out of my sight while we're camping on the mountain (news reports every year of kids who get lost)
  • Walk to a friend's house 6 blocks away (kidnapping, sex offenders, reckless drivers... all reasons that I have to walk Haley there and back myself instead of letting her go on her own)
The list is longer than that, but those are the things on the top of my mind. All of these things bring on The Fear. (From one of my favorite blogs, Rants from Mommyland. The Fear: irrational, all-consuming anxiety that something awful may happen to the [children] (or their father). Sex offenders, drunk drivers, and enemy combatants among those who inspire The Fear. Results in statements like; "No you may NOT walk to the mailbox without a grown-up. I don't care if you are in High School." The Fear strikes Daddies and Mommies in equal measure.)

What brings on The Fear for you? What do you do to deal with The Fear and let your children live a normal life in spite of your paranoia?
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1 comment:

Mistaken said...

I am the youngest of eight children. Six of whom were boys. We survived. I try very hard to listen to the intuition God gave us and then when i do allow them to do things, I don't watch. We have had a trampoline for a few years and there have never been any injuries. My kids always come home after they are done playing. We have had some broken bones but I think those are necessary experiences in life hehe. My worst fear is that of kidnapping and/or molesting. etc. They never go anywhere alone. They are never allowed at anyone elses house unless I am there or I am VERY good friends with the parents. All the kids play over here.

June 23, 2011 at 10:08 AM

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