In our childhood, many moms used to say phrases like: "Do not get on there," "do not touch those things," "do not run so much," "do not do this, do not do that," "no, no, no." They ended up saying, "I just don't want anything to happen to you."
If you didn't have a mom like that, maybe you met a friend who had an overprotective mom who reprimanded him/her every time you went to play at their house.
In either case, we knew that those types of moms could be annoying sometimes, but have we thought if we are one of them now? We certainly wonder how not to protect that little person who came out of us, and we love so much. Caring for our children is an innate instinct in mothers of all species, it is our obligation to ensure their welfare and that they are safe in all circumstances. However, to what extent should our care intervene in the kid's growth and development? When does our attention become overprotective? How can it affect my boy/girl? Today we have in our blog these answers and tips for your child to grow more independently, and to ensure that you do your work as a mom, without stress, and with confidence.
"Risk is not equal to risky" - Leonore Skenazy.
American columnist and author Leonore Skenazy explained during an interview that as parents, we should not prevent our children from doing activities that involve risks. For example, riding a skateboard or bicycle implies a risk, because the child can fall and have a fracture. However, we cannot stop our children from playing, living life, and experiencing situations for themselves. On the other hand, riding a bicycle without a helmet is risky, and there we must intervene. Taking preventive measures to provide our children with security is the best way to protect them without being an obstacle to their growth and self-learning. "There will always be risks that your children must take, you can eliminate risky behaviors, but you cannot eliminate the risk." Emphasize the columnist.
When we prevent our children from enjoying activities such as climbing, playing in the park, and others, for fear that something "bad" will happen to them, we are transmitting our concerns allowing them to grow insecure and anxious. "All fear in the world does not prevent death: it prevents life," explains Leonore.
Nor should we become the so-called helicopter parents watching every step our little ones take and trying to take on their challenges. Teaching our children to stay away from sports that they enjoy because we are afraid of them getting hurt might be more hurtful for them than the activity. A bruise that a child receives from playing soccer might heal in days or weeks, but an emotional wound caused by overprotection can affect his personal development over the years.
When we free ourselves from our fears, our children will also perceive our confidence in them and feel that they grow up in a safe and healthy environment.
It is essential to clarify that our care while our kids play and explore is not incorrect. On the contrary, the accompaniment of an adult is vital for the safety of children, but we must be careful not to limit our little ones' curiosity and desires to explore. We need to show them our support and convey all the security they need to develop their creativity and grow up independently.