I know. I haven't been the best at blogging these days. There's just a lot going on and to be honest there's other things that occupy my time over updating my blog. I know it's important for the "posterity of my children."
But now I have something to say. And maybe one day, they and I, will look back at this post and realize that I was just a crazy, overprotective mother in their early years.
I know I live in a safe neighborhood. It's very quite here, there's not a lot of hooligans running about, and there's not a lot of traffic. I feel safe here, things are good. However, whenever I am outside working in the yard or just out there with the boys, my maternal instinct kicks in and I can't help but wonder, "What if.....?"
Our yard is not fenced and so the boys wander about the yard while I'm working, and every so often I lose sight or sound of them. And I holler for them. I have to know where they are and what they're up to. One reason is for their safety, one for my sanity of knowing, and another because Cole can be way too mischievous (and naughty) for his own good. But to me it's always important to know where they are - you never know if they've wandered into the street and a car won't see them or some nasty stranger saunters by. You just never know.
So as I was outside with my boys - plus three other little ones I was in charge of at the time - it baffled my mind to see a one year old walking up and down, in and out of the street with no parents in sight and not even caring. Or to see a two year old riding his small little tricycle in the middle of the road (where the road curves) and no older siblings or parents in sight. I mean, really?
Maybe I'm just paranoid and overly sensitive. Maybe my maternal instincts are on overkill. I don't know, but I'm not even comfortable yet to allow my 4 year old play outside by himself in an un-gated yard. Maybe after a few more years and maybe a couple of more children my paranoia will ease up a bit and I'll learn to relax. It seems that that happens over time.
But until then, maybe I'm just a crazy, paranoid mother.
8 comments:
I feel the same way. We haven't finished our fence and I freak out when I can't see Wyatt. Just today we were out in the yard when a little boy from across the street came over in just a diaper. I know I will feel much better when our fence is done.
How old were we when we were running up and down 1300 W and playing over at the school alone?
You're not overly protective or paranoid. I get anxious when I can't see my kids. Last week at Church Logan disappeared. I wandered all over...she had just buddied up to the first counselor, but still I agree...I have to know where my kids are!
Holly, I think we were like 4 running back and forth and playing at the school...what happened to the good old days?
I don't think it gets better with more kids. I always sit outside with my kids and Tanner is almost 7. Isn't it weird that we can't just let our kids roam like we did. I mean really, I would love to say, 'go outside and come back in 3 hours' but that just can't happen anymore. Sad day.
P.S Thanks for coming back to the blog world.
I'm right there with you! There's a little boy down the street who came over one day (age 2, not talking legibly) and I had no idea where he was from. After 2 hours of having him in my yard I started knocking doors. Finally found the dad 5 houses down watching TV & totally oblivious. My kids never leave my sight!
nope, you'll still be crazy & paranoid cause that's what good moms are!
I was just venting about this same thing to Rob, and I don't even have kids! I saw a little tiny girl wandering around by herself at Walmart, and her mom had no clue where she was, or what she was doing. It drove me crazy. You are not paranoid, or crazy, you just have common sense :)
You're not crazy or paranoid, you're a GREAT mom who happens to care for and love her children. That's what those kinds of moms do.... they worry about the whereabouts of their kids at all times. Just can't be too safe in today's world. The good ol' days are long gone!! Thanks for being the kind of mom you are, you have great little boys!! Love YOU!!
If you're crazy and paranoid then so are the rest of us. I can't imagine letting any of my children just wander around outside, riding their bikes, etc. If I can't go out there with them, they don't go out, end of story. It scares the heck out of me. I would rather be the crazy, paranoid mom than the mom who doesn't give a hoot. And believe me, your boys may get annoyed with it at times but when they're older, they'll appreciate it and love you even more!!
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