Over protective?

Question

My sister told me I'm over protective of my daughter. I don't feel I am. If I go to someone's house I like to make sure I can see her at all times. My sister said I should just let her go and play. I'm just afraid other people's houses won't be as child proof as mine (which my sisters isn't because she has open access to a set of stairs and my daughter LOVES stairs!). Do you think it's normal to want to watch her every move like that? When we're at home she runs all over the place because I know there is nothing she could break or get into. She's 15 months by the way.

Answer 1

I am the same exact way and people are always telling me I am overprotective and as far as I am concerned they can just get over it. For one thing a 15 month old should be in sight at all times at another persons home. People will continue to say things like that, just do what you feel is best for your baby and let them say what they will.
My kids are 6 and 8 and people think I am nuts because I have to meet the parents and go to their home before my kids can go there, to me that is simply common sense. I rely a lot on my gut feelings, I will not jeopardize my kids safety over what everyone else does, it only takes a moment to get hurt or worse.

Answer 2

It is your child and if something was to happen then you would blame yourself. I think you are doing the right thing. I do the same for my 4 month old...if someone else is holding him even family I make sure I am in the room and glance every once in awhile. I also have not let anyone else watch him due to one set of grandparents house not being the cleanest and the second set has two large greyhounds which make me nervous. I am responsible for my child and I think I am doing the right thing by him to keep him safe. I do not think it as being overprotective. Majority of parents are not protective enough I think....I mean you do see kids running crazy in walmart dont ya!? LOL

Answer 3

At 15 months, that is NOT over-protective. There is a different between being able to see a child at all times and hovering over every move. It sounds like you're just being appropriately cautious and not "hovering". Your sister may just have very different ideas about parenting.

If you're concerned, ask another family member or a friend with kids if you seem over-protective in general.

Answer 4

I absolutely agree. Maybe if she was 3-4 years old, but at 16 months I think she still needs adult supervision, especially at someone elses house. My daughter is 3-1/2 and I'm just now starting to let her play without me constantly watching over her like a hawk! Better to be over-protective than under-protective, right?

Answer 5

No, I think that you are a good mother. She is only 15 months old. You don't want her to choke on something or fall and get hurt. If she was older then I could see letting her be in a room with other children playing. I agree completely with you. In fact, I have a 15 month old and I also watch her everywhere she goes when we are at other people's houses. You are just being a good mommy!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

Well, I may be a little over protective myself, but I don't think you are! You are responsible for your child, not your sis. Does she have kids? Either way, you do what makes you comfortable. At 15 mo, w/ unattended stairs....I think that would be an accident waiting to happen, and I would need my child (allegedly...don't have kids yet, but would love to) in my sight as well.
Most importantly, don't let other people make decisions like that for you, though. You're the one who would have to live w/ them if something did happen.
personally, I see parents not paying good enough attention to their kids, and it really annoys me. They don't realize how quickly something can happen. I say better to be a little protective, than neglectful (is that a word? lol!)

Answer 7

I dont think you are pver protective. I AM the same way with my 2 kids. I also keep them in my site because it is once they leave your site that they get into trouble and possibly break things. I would feel horrible if I was at someones house and my kids broke something of theirs. But I think you are a great mom, from what it sounds like.

Answer 8

i wouldn't say you are overly over protective.
when my boyfriends 2yo was visiting us for 3 wks. i was very diligent with watching her when playing.
i would keep an eye on her at playgrounds and other places we went to.
i made sure when other kids were watching her that i kept an eye to make sure they weren't to rough or bullied her.
- example- went to a graduation party, she was running around with other kids/toddlers when another little boy just turned and shoved her face first down on the hardwood floors. she almost hit her face! i ran over there and snatched her up and grabbed his arm - his grand mom saw me and immediatly disciplined him. saved me the trouble lol
she was ok but scared.
had i not been watching she might have been injured.

it's an instinct to protect and watch our young... mother lion doesn't neglect her cubs etc...

in one hand you have to let her play and if she falls she falls. it's nature. but in the other hand you have to watch for danger and incident.

Answer 9

Yes it's normal. She is only 15 month old you have to watch her. Your only being a good mother. Don't let anyone tell you different. As long as she develops normally don't worry about it.

Answer 10

of course that is normal! we all want to do what we can to keep our kids safe.

especially if you do not know what is going on at someone elses house. perhaps you could do a walk through when you first get there, then you will see if it is safe and then she could go and run and play!